Cancer and Prostate Archives

Dietary preventives of cancer. (Archive.)

Friends,

Time will tell but I predict that the Cancer Society's estimate (33%) is VERY low. Just 20 years ago the Cancer Society was "sure" that no cancers had any relationship to diet! Physicians who dared to challenge that stand were routinely labled as "quacks" BY the Cancer Society. In my iopinion, practically 100% of cancers will eventually be proven to have at least some relationship to diet.

Walt

Comments?
Misty L. Trepke
http://www.searching-alternatives.com

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 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.

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.

Flax -
contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and
block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3
fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and
heart disease.
The Budwig diet is a specialized diet using flax seed oil and yogurt
or cottage cheese(for best results use only organic brands).

Fresh 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 lightly
cooked/baked 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 any garlic supplements that 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
contain 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 also 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. Organic varieties are best as papayas are currently
genetically modified

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 -
see http://www.jrussellshealth.com/alccanc.html. You should
probably switch to non-alcoholic wines.

Rosemary -
may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes.
An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the
development of both breast and skin tumors in animals. We haven't
found any studies done on humans.
Rosemary can be used as a seasoning. It can also be consumed as a
tea: Use 1 tsp. dried leaves
per cup of hot water; steep for 15 minutes.

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.
Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals
potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

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.

There are a number of isoflavones in soy products, but research has
shown that genistein is the most potent inhibitor of the growth and
spread of cancerous cells.
It appears to lower breast-cancer risk by inhibiting the growth of
epithelial cells and new blood vessels that
tumors require to flourish and is being scrutinized as a potential
anti-cancer drug.

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).

According to a report in the July 2001 issue of the Journal of
Cellular Biochemistry, these polyphenols that are abundant in green
tea, red wine and olive oil,
may protect against various types of cancer. Dry green tea leaves,
which are about 40% polyphenols by
weight, may also reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung,
colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, study findings have suggested.

Tapioca-
is derived from the cassava plant. It is one of the many
plants that manufactures cyanide by producing a chemical called
linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by
the linamarase enzyme.
Spanish researches have been studying the cassava and attempting to
clone the genes from the plant which are responsible for producing
the hydrogen cyanide and then transfer it to a retrovirus.

Organic Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks
roaming
oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of
triggering cancer.
It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes
produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant which can prevent
cellular damage that leads to cancer.
It is wise however to obtain organic tomatoes. They have been
genetically engineered.

Watermelons, carrots, and red peppers also contain these substances,
but in lesser quantities. It is concentrated by cooking tomatoes.

Scientists in Israel have shown that lycopene can kill mouth cancer
cells.
An increased intake of lycopene has already been linked to a
reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas, skin and colorectal
cancer.
(Note: Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body
also needs some oil along with lycopene.)
Organic tomatoes contain more nutrients, as traditional varieties
have been genetically modified .

Tumeric-
(curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, is believed
to have medicinal properties because it inhibits production of the
inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), levels of
which are abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and
cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer.

In fact, a pharmaceutical company Phytopharm in the UK hopes to
introduce a natural product, P54, that contains certain volatile
oils, which greatly increase the potency of the turmeric spice.

Turnips-
are said to contain "glucose molaes" which is a cancer fighting
compound.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with
decreased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.

There are many good books on this topic,
including Vern Verona's book on "Cancer Fighting Foods."

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