You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it twice and probably more than thrice – an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Add in generous servings of broccoli and whole grains, with a glass of green tea, and you have ammunition for the cancer fight.
A healthy diet, healthy weight and regular exercise are the foundation for minimizing the risk for contemporary disorders. Yes, even cancer. Although nutrition-enriched meals cannot cure or guarantee cancer prevention, increasing research indicates that a plant-based diet is significant ammunition to battle cancer. According to American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and other studies, flavonoids, phenolic acids, antioxidants, curcumin, phytochemicals, folate, sulforaphane, calcium, and reservatol are among substances that may inhibit cancer cell development. The flavonoids and phenolic acid in apples, for example, protect cells and may slow down cancer progression.
Supplements are not the answer. AICR indicates the synergy of compounds working together in food is the best. Make room on your plate for superfoods ranging from broccoli and tomatoes, to berries and walnuts.
Sulforphene, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, is connected to the prevention of colon and prostate cancers especially when chewed thoroughly. Entice your family with a handful of broccoli sprouts on salads or sandwiches for extra carcinogen fighting power.
If your sweet tooth is calling, try gingerbread cookies. Ginger root contains curcumin, currently under investigation as a source for minimizing the potential for ovarian cancer and brain tumors. No sweets in your diet? Sprinkle ginger on vegetables or combine with other spices for Asian-inspired dishes.
Fighting cancer with super foods does not have to be challenging, tasteless or complicated. The American Cancer Society says use a color guide. Research indicates that colorful, freshly picked foods such as red raspberries, bright blueberries, red and orange peppers, purple eggplant and deep green spinach, for example, are excellent choices.
Begin your cancer crusade today. Prepare a meal with one or two super foods and remember what your mother told you – an apple a day keeps the doctor away. You can celebrate a healthier you with a glass of red wine or grape juice – the resveratrol-filled choices are also weapons against cancer.
Top Cancer Fighting Foods: apples, blueberries, broccoli, cruciferous vegetables, berries, dark green leafy vegetables, coffee, cherries, cranberries, curry, dry beans, peas, lentils, flaxseed, garlic, ginger, grapes, grapefruit, green tea, onions, tomatoes, soy, squash, whole grains, walnuts and other nuts.
Inspire Health recommends:
What to Eat if You Have Cancer: Healing Foods that Boost Your Immune System by Daniella Chace, MSc, CN
“When my husband was diagnosed with cancer this book had a lot to do with his recovery. I learned to cook with herbs that were helpful with working with chemo and other drugs he was on at the time. The key was cooking with antioxidants to rid the body of the poison pumped in every day during the chemo regimen. Ginger is amazing and kept the nausea at bay. I still use several of the recipes today even though my husband is cancer free.” – Suzanne F., Metairie, LA
