Cancer-Fighting Food

From The Cancer Cure Foundation:

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety.

Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast.

Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers.

Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes.

Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances.

Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body.

Grapes, red contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives.

Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues.

Licorice root has a chemical, glycyrrhizin, that blocks a component of testosterone and therefore may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer. However, excessive amounts can lead to elevated blood pressure.

Mushrooms - There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system - Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor.

Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains 80 micrograms of selenium, which is important for those with prostate cancer. (Careful, though, if you have allergies!)

Oranges and lemons contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells (lymphocytes, e.g.) that may also break down cancer-causing substances.

Papayas have vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods.

Raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer.

Red wine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer.

Rosemary may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes.

Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer.

Soy products like tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens — weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes.

Sweet potatoes contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.

Teas: Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea (herbal teas do not show this benefit).

Tomatoes, which contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of triggering cancer. (Note: Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body also needs some oil along with lycopene.)

Tumeric (curcuma longa), especially for bowel and colon cancer.

Turnips (unconfirmed - but hey, it can’t hurt!)

Miracle Anti-Ageing Foods

Apples – The saying ‘An apple a day keeps the Doctor away’ rings true. Apples contain pectin which helps to lower our cholesterol levels, and antioxidants which help to get rid of the free radicals lurking in our bodies. Low in calories, apples are an ‘all round’ fabulous fruit.

Berries – The vitamin C found in Berries is great for building up new collagen in the skin and they also help to prevent those ghastly thread veins that appear as we get that little bit older.

Brazil nuts – Containing the richest source of Selenium, a powerful antioxidant that is great for cutting cancer risks and is essential for healthy skin.

Broccoli – These ‘fairy flowers’ should be eaten regularly to help against fighting cancer and for all round good health. For added anti-ageing benefits sprinkle some fairy dust (linseeds) over the broccoli for added flavour and extra help for menopausal women.

Chocolate – This one is a tough double chocolate cookie. Although studies prove that by eating chocolate three times a week we can add an extra year to our lives, if not eaten in moderation it can lead to obesity and its associated health risks.

Garlic - Not only does it ward off vampires but garlic also kick starts the immune system, detoxes the liver and helps to lower blood pressure.

Red wine – This wobbly juice is not only a classic for a night in or a night out socialising but it also boosts circulation to the skin. Studies have shown that drinking red wine in moderation promotes long life and may help to protect against cancer and heart disease. What better excuse could you have to get started on the Vino? (Moderately, of course.)

Show me the veggies!

Ever noticed how hard it is to find good, tasty vegetarian food? Well… I have. Most of what’s available on the market can be easily classified as ‘rabbit food’; in a word, SALADS - and sometimes even they have bits of bacon hiding behind the mounds of grass - er - lettuce.

I come from a country where vegetarian cooking is a fine cuisine in itself. Sure, you know about Chicken Tikka and Shish Kebabs, but Indian cooking extends farther than any other cuisine in the world in the direction of vegetarian recipes. And what wouldn’t I give for a few of the Big Chains to steal a couple of them and turn them into mass-market, cheaply available, healthy fare!

So much for daydreams… But before I sign off, I leave you with a few great places to start your own forays into vegetarianism that is strictly for rodents.

Check out:

• Sanjeev Kapoor on the web
• Vegetarian Recipes on FatFreeKitchen.com

Happy cooking!