Cancer Fighting Food And Spices

Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices

The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. What you eat can hurt you, but it can also help you. Many of the common foods found in grocery stores or organic markets contain cancer-fighting properties, from the antioxidants that neutralize the damage caused by free radicals to the powerful phytochemicals that scientists are just beginning to explore. There isn't a single element in a particular food that does all the work: The best thing to do is eat a variety of foods.
The following foods have the ability to help stave off cancer and some can even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size.

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.
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. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane induces the production of certain enzymes that can deactivate free radicals and carcinogens. The enzymes have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals. However, be aware that the Agriculture Department studied 71 types of broccoli plants and found a 30-fold difference in the amounts of glucoraphanin. It appears that the more bitter the broccoli is, the more glucoraphanin it has. Broccoli sprouts have been developed under the trade name BroccoSprouts that have a consistent level of sulforaphane - as much as 20 times higher than the levels found in mature heads of broccoli.

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. Some research indicated beta carotene may actually cause cancer, but this has not proven that eating carrots, unless in very large quantities - 2 to 3 kilos a day, can cause cancer. In fact, a substance called falcarinol that is found in carrots has been found to reduce the risk of cancer, according to researchers at Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS). Kirsten Brandt, head of the research department, explained that isolated cancer cells grow more slowly when exposed to falcarinol. This substance is a polyacethylen, however, so it is important not to cook the carrots.
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.

Figs apparently have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that investigators at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo say benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors, though I haven't seen this report. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

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. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic — as well as onions, leeks, and chives — to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer. Dr. Lenore Arab, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the UNC-CH (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) schools of public health and medicine and colleagues analyzed a number of studies and reported their findings in the October 2000 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. According to the report, people who consume raw or cooked garlic regularly face about half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of colorectal cancer as people who eat little or none. Their studies didn't show garlic supplements had the same effect. It is believed garlic may help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, found in the stomach and known to promote cancer there.

Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit may inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro. They also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.
Grapes, red contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response. They also contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells - this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.

Studies show that consumption of green and yellow leafy vegetables has been associated with lower levels of stomach cancer.

Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.
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. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying. They also contain Thioproline. These mushrooms can stimulate the production of interferon in the body. Extracts from mushrooms have been successfully tested in recent years in Japan as an adjunct to chemotherapy. PSK is made from the Coriolus Versicolor. Maitake mushroom extract is PCM4.

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. (Note: Many people are allergic to the proteins in nuts, so if you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth, tight throat, wheezing, etc. after eating nuts, stop. Consider taking a selenium supplement instead or work with someone on how to eliminate this allergy.)
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. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.
Raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer. According to a recent research study reported by Cancer Research 2001;61:6112-6119, rats fed diets of 5% to 10% black raspberries saw the number of esophageal tumors decrease by 43% to 62%. A diet containing 5% black raspberries was more effective than a diet containing 10% black raspberries. Research reported in the journal Nutrition and Cancer in May 2002 shows black raspberries may also thwart colon cancer. Black raspberries are rich in antioxidants, thought to have even more cancer-preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.

Red wine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals. Also, researchers at the University of North Carolina's medical school in Chapel Hill found the compound resveratrol, which is found in grape skins. It appears that resveratrol inhibits cell proliferation and can help prevent cancer. However, the findings didn't extend to heavy imbibers, so it should be used in moderation. In addition, alcohol can be toxic to the liver and to the nervous system, and many wines have sulfites, which may be harmful to your health. Note: some research indicates that alcohol is considered a class "A" carcinogen which can actually cause cancer. You should switch to non alchoholic wine

FOR MORE CANCER INFO, SEE 'RELATED TOPICS' ON THE TOP LEFT HAND SIDE

Understanding Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer explained

The term breast cancer actually refers to a large family of cancers that can develop in any part of the breast tissue. The most common types of breast cancer start in the glandular tissue - and the most common of all in the ducts.

Understanding cells

Our bodies are made up of tiny structures called cells, which are not visible to the naked eye. Groups of cells form the tissues and organs of the body and each of these, such as the brain, liver, kidneys and lungs, has a unique function. Normally, cells reproduce themselves by dividing in a regular, orderly fashion so that growth and repair of body tissues can take place. Disease can disrupt this normal function in various ways.

Tumours

Sometimes there is an uncontrolled growth of cells causing a swelling or tumour. Tumours that remain contained within a limited area are called benign. Once treated, often by an operation, these don't usually cause any further problems. Cancers, or malignant tumours, also start within a limited area but unlike benign tumours they have the ability to spread to nearby organs or tissues, or to more distant parts of the body. This spread is known as metastasis, or secondary cancer. The area where the cancer originated, for instance the breast, is called the primary cancer.

How cancer develops

Cancer develops from one single cell. Normally, cells are controlled by a variety of in-built safety catches that make sure that each cell grows and behaves as it should.

• A cell can become cancerous in a number of ways:
  The cell becomes 'switched on' to divide, and does not have a functioning safety catch to stop the process, so the cell can carry on dividing.


• The cell becomes unable to recognise damage to DNA (the chemical code for a cell) or does not have the ability to repair any damage, so the cell continues to live with a faulty 'instruction manual'


• The cell can lose its ability to sense neighbouring cells and interact with them normally.

The proteins that normally play a part in controlling these processes may become damaged. This can lead to cells behaving abnormally and multiplying out of control. When cells are dividing too much they can go on to form a lump, a characteristic of many cancers, including breast cancer.

Understanding genes

The human body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cells are made up of even smaller building blocks, which form the cell's structure and control its behaviour. These building blocks are called proteins - and genes largely govern their construction and consequent behaviour.

A gene is a coded message made up of DNA, the chemical that carries the instructions for making living organisms, and is passed from parent to child.Just as words are made up of strings of 26 different letters, DNA is made up of strings of 4 different chemicals called nucleotides.

In language, strings of letters form words and sentences; in genetics, strings of nucleotides form genes. Each gene then carries the blueprint for building a specific protein with a specific role to play in the cell.Cells normally divide many times during their normal lifespan, and each time the 'spelling' of the DNA for each gene is meticulously copied. But sometimes a spelling mistake occurs: we say the gene has acquired a mutation. If the mutation occurs in a critical part of the blueprint, it can cause the resulting protein to be abnormal or damaged in some way.Mutations can be inherited, be triggered by cancer-causing agents in the environment, or result from rare errors when DNA is being copied or repaired.

A single mutation in a gene may not impact the behaviour of that protein or in turn the cell. But scientists believe that when a person accumulates several of these genetic errors, cancer can occur.

How cancer spreads

The body has two transport systems, the blood and the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system normally helps the body to fight infection. It is made up of a series of nodes (glands) and vessels (tubes) linked throughout the body.Breast cancer cells can break away from the original lump, move through surrounding tissue, and eventually be carried by the body's transport systems to other parts of the body. Breast cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit. In fact, involvement of the lymph nodes can be an indication of how likely it is for the cancer to return.Cancer cells can also be carried in the bloodstream to distant sites in the body. Here they may form new tumours called metastases or 'secondaries'. If breast cancer spreads to another part of the body, cure is no longer possible. However, treatments can control secondary disease, sometimes for a long time.

Secondary breast cancer

Secondary cancer is when cancer cells from the breast have spread and established themselves in other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis and cancer that has spread is said to have metastasised. In breast cancer, the spread is most often to the bones, lungs or liver. The original (or primary) cancer is in the breast. The secondary cancer is still breast cancer, but it has invaded a different part of the body and become established there.