Diet and Cancer
When we think about cancer, we rarely associate it with diet and food. But research have shown that the most common types cancers like breast, prostate and bowel can be reduced by up to 70% and lung cancer by up to 50% by eating specific foods. A rich and colorful diet of vegetables, fruits, beans, fish, nuts and even tea, chocolate and wine can considerably reduce the risk of cancer.
The diet for cancer cannot solely cure this deadly disease nor is it a foolproof prevention. But still what you eat before, during and after the treatment of cancer may have a critical impact on its outcome.
Food for Cancer
Chocolate – Yes you read it right! Fine quality dark chocolate (with more than 70% cocoa) consists of an antioxidant procyanidin. Research have proved in lab tests that these molecules slow the development of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Chocolate drinks are best way to get procyanidin into our bloodstream.
Wine – Resveratrol, a natural phenol, is found in high quantity in red wines. This chemical has been showed to reduce tumors in laboratory tests. Resveratrol is absorbed through the membranes in mouth, so don’t glug the wine; let the wine linger in your mouth.
Also, wine grown in South- west France is found with procyanidin (also observed in dark chocolate).
Cabbage – The cabbage family which includes broccoli, cauliflower, radish, Brussels sprouts, turnips, watercress and kohlrabi contain a molecule called as Sulforaphane. New research has found that this molecule can particularly destroy prostate cancer cells.
Nuts – Seeds, nutss and butter processed from them consists a high amount of antioxidants like vitamin E and beta carotene. Pecans and hazelnuts consist of ellagic acid, considered to delay the growth of tumors.
Citrus fruits – Eating citrus fruits like oranges, limes, tangerines, lemons and grapefruit may reduce the hazards of some types of cancers. These fruits contain compounds like d-limonene, pectin and nobiletin which are supposed to slow or prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Mushrooms – Shiitake mushrooms are found be a rich source of the molecule lentinan, believed to slow or even cease the growth of tumor. Button mushrooms are supposed to contain a substance that can stop the production of estrogen in the body and thus protect against breast cancer and other estrogen dependant cancer.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes in all their varieties fresh, tinned, processed in soup, juice or ketchup, are loaded in lycopene. Research has shown that lycopene may protect against prostate, lung and breast cancer. For the record, cooked tomatoes release more lycopene than raw; so don’t bother to eat them raw.
Green tea – Green tea is supposed to consist of cancer shielding effects like activating apoptosis i.e. eradiction of cancer cells and preventing angiogenesis i.e. growth of tumor.
It can also strengthen the impact of some chemotherapy agents, along with reducing their side effects. Thus, green tea is an apt choice for patients ongoing with cancer treatment.
Berries – Strawberries and raspberries contain ellagic acid which is considered to slow the growth of tumors in the body.
Blueberries, blackberries and cranberries are supposed to contain an antioxidant that may help to check in the binding of carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) to the DNA and thus protect against gastrointestinal cancer.
By making smart food choices, you can improve your immunity, feel healthier and boost your ability to fight off deadly diseases like cancer.