Immunity and the Science of Cancer Fighting Foods Like Garlic and Licorice

A number of food and medicinal plant derivatives have been examined and then used in medicine for their immunity boosting effects to heal immunity related diseases like infections and cancer. In this article, I will write about Garlic and Licorice, the most common and effective food products.

Garlic: For centuries, garlic has been used as a powerful health enhancer. In fact, research shows an association of high garlic consumption and low rate of gastric cancer in places like Italy and China. Garlic contains a family of thiol compounds that have been tested to have antioxidant activity. Ajoene, Allicin, and allyl alcohol are some of the compounds found in garlic, wild garlic, and to a lesser extent, onions. Garlic also stimulates T cell proliferation and enhances natural killer cell cytotoxic activity. Garlic extracts boost a number of immune activities that can be related to controlling cancer. In one of the experiments, garlic extracts were shown to strengthen the oxidative bursts of macrophages. This is used to kill cancer cells, bacteria and virus producing cells. Garlic also protects lipids from being oxidized, thus preventing the formation of free radical formation. In fact, garlic extracts have also decreased cancer development in some cancer cases, when they were exposed to powerful carcinogens like radiation. It was later found by Dr Wargovich that garlic enhances the liver's ability to neutralize and metabolize carcinogens, preventing new production of cancer cells and tumors. Such poisons are converted into harmless water soluble compounds. It is proved that the effects of certain fatty acids like prostaglandins are blocked by garlic, discouraging tumor growth. It also boosts production of detoxifying enzymes in the body. Finally, garlic compounds inhibit formation of thrombi by inhibiting platelet aggregation (blocking adhesion through integrins) reducing risk of strokes and cardiovascular disease.

Garlic is also a good source of selenium. It is advisable to use garlic at least 3 to 4 times a week for optimum results. It may be cooked or even used in raw form. Common uses can be in pasta, vegetables and salads, and even garlic breads.

Licorice: Most people recognize licorice as one of their favorite candies in their childhood. Glycyrrhizin is a licorice extract which is clinically used for anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral treatments. Licorice root contains about a dozen different bioflavonoid compounds that boost the immunity system and fight cancer. It stimulates enhanced display of IL2 receptors and IL2 production, as well as phagocytosis by macrophages.

A cup of licorice tea per day will really boost up your immunity and cancer fighting capacity. You can also take licorice candy directly, if you prefer. However, it should not be taken excessively. If you have heart problems, hypertension, kidney problems, or obesity, please consult a physician before taking licorice. Excessive intake can also lead to vomiting, swelling and increase in blood pressure.

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