Find a Cancer Cure in the Cupboard

Finding a cancer cure in the cupboard is not as outlandish as you might think. Stunning developments in science are pointing towards foods and natural molecules that attack tumors and inhibit cancer cell growth in a number of ways. Further research will hopefully pave the way for a nationally recognized preventive cancer diet.

Patients can look into the existing research to determine whether or not to incorporate several anti-cancer foods into their diet. It's a good idea for healthy people to consume these foods regularly. They could prevent cancer from occurring unexpectedly.

Many of the foods aren't particularly unusual and can be picked up at any health food store. Let's take a look at some of the research. Remember, this is just a summary. You may wish to delve into it more. The author concedes there are many foods not herein covered. Let's take a look at some potent anti-cancer foods, and you'll get one step closer to crafting a cancer treatments diet.

Be sure to always check any new medical information with a licensed medical professional before attempting any dietary changes. It's best to see a doctor for information about cancer treatments, however, the diet part can begin at home anytime.

The cruciferous vegetables of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale contain substances like glucosinolates, crambene, indole-3-carbinol (I-3-C) and isothiocyanates. Cruciferous vegetables appear to regulate a network of enzymes in the body that regulate certain types of cancer.

For example, looking at just one component, indole-3-carbinol, we see a number of healing properties. Studies show that I-3-C inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cells, reduces the activity of tumor-promoting enzymes, and accelerated apoptosis in some cancer cell lines. Apoptosis is the technical term for programmed cell death. It appears to work by stimulating the enzymes the body uses for breakdown and detoxification of chemicals and carcinogens. What seems like an anecdote of funny folklore from a Roman statesman, Cato the Elder (234-149 BC), may have slight merit. He says, "If a cancerous ulcer appears upon the breasts, apply a crushed cabbage leaf and it will make it well."

Besides the in vitro laboratory studies and studies of animal populations, there are large scale epidemiological studies that conclusively point to a link between consumption, or lack thereof, or cruciferious vegetables and certain cancers. Studies associate diets high in cruciferous vegetables with lower risk for lung, stomach and colorectal cancers.

When observing lots of people over time, scientists ascertained that diets high in cruciferous vegetables were linked with dramatically lower rates of prostate and bladder cancer. It's important to take supplements to get the right amounts of the good molecules. For example, the Department of Agriculture analyzed 71 broccoli plants and discovered a 30 fold difference in the amount of Glucoraphanin. Sulforaphane is a product of Glucoraphanin, and Sulforaphane has been shown to stimulate enzymes that deactivate carcinogens and inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals.

The author's recommendation is to make a smoothie with all the cruciferous vegetables a couple of times per week. Throw in a couple apples, oranges, or 1/2 cup of blueberries to sweeten. Add about a 1/2 cup water and use a high-powered blender like a Vitamix TurboBlend 4500. Vegetables in the cruciferous family also have the antioxidants, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and they're thought to decrease prostate cancer.

Some other foods that have anti-cancer substances are noteworthy, and you may want to include them in a smoothie or two daily. Dandelion, turnip greens, carrots, collards, canteloupe, sweet potatoes, and apricots have the highest levels of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene has been shown to reduce lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast cancer.

Flax, a great source of fiber, should be consumed daily to facilitate healthy bowel movements and decrease the risk of cancerous changes. Simply grind up a tablespoon in a coffee grinder and drink with juice in the morning. Flax has lignans that block and suppress cancerous changes. The Budwig Diet extensively focuses on flax seed oil and cottage cheese, the elimination of some foods, and other dietary changes to stifle cancer.

Chili peppers, garlic, sea vegetables, rosemary, licorice root, grapefruits, figs, dark leafy greens and many other plant foods have anti-cancer qualities.

Of course, foods are just one of the many, many options to pursue when seeking to prevent cancer. A cancer treatments diet is ideal for almost anyone looking to lessen the likelihood of cancer onset. Most foods are safe unless you have some rare condition, allergy, or unusual contraindication.