- All of us want good health before any other wish. One works hard to keep serious illnesses at bay. Just like certain foods are good to fight diabetes or hypertension, are there any foods that help one fight cancer? Here is what research says about 5 foods that hold a promise of warding off this evil
- Food should be given the sanctity it deserves. Food can make or break our health.
- Cancer has become the major cause of concern as fast-paced lifestyles have left little or no time for people to focus on what they must eat.
- Researchers are looking to fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods to help prevent and treat a variety of cancers.
The modern era of cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with new breakthroughs and discoveries changing the course of care all the time. Researchers are hard at work, trying to bring out state-of-the-art cancer treatments.
But there is no denying that the C-word is a major shock to anyone and his/her dear ones. What wouldn’t anyone give to ensure that this malady does not strike at all? Since this disease is a major cause of death across the world, scientists are seeking ways to learn why it develops, how it spreads, and what could prevent it from taking root in the first place?
The attention of doctors and research personnel is now on food. Is there something in the food that causes it or promotes it? And better still, are there any foods one can consume regularly to keep cancer away?
Bioactive compounds found in vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods have garnered much attention for potential anti-cancer properties.
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), no single plant or vegetable likely represents a magic bullet for cancer prevention. But the good news is that you can consume some foods that exhibit anticancer potential. And of course, instead of eating just one type of food, it is best to eat a variety of food types, colours, and nutrient-rich foods.
“Research shows that a diet filled with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and other plant foods helps lower risk for many cancers. In laboratory studies, many individual minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals demonstrate anti-cancer effects,” Dr Naveed Saleh, MD, MS quotes the AICR in a piece for MDLinx.
- Cherries:
According to research carried out by the Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States, the dark sweet cherry (Prunus avium) phenolics enriched in anthocyanins exhibit enhanced activity against the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes without toxicity to normal breast cells. MDLinx states that the anti-cancer effects of foods may be particularly relevant in preventing pancreatic cancer – which is otherwise called a silent killer. Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive and deadly disease that kills almost half of those diagnosed with it within a span of 6 months. Due to its asymptomatic nature in the initial stages, early diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Cherries and sour cherries, as well as berries and apples, are rich in polyphenols. According to the authors of a review published in Antioxidants, “A large number of polyphenols have been shown to have potent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and proapoptotic effects on cell cultures of various human cancers.” (https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/6/547/htm) But the other side of the findings is also that polyphenols are not absorbed well in the human GI tract and are quickly metabolized and excreted. “Therefore, future research could focus on a form of drug that would allow for better absorption and bioavailability of polyphenols. The application of nanoparticles is one approach to improve the bioavailability of polyphenols,” the authors concluded. Research also states that cherries have not just cancer-fighting properties, cherries, they also have antiageing elements. - Blueberries:
According to the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR), blueberries contain many phytochemicals and nutrients which show potential anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies. Several studies found that eating blueberries increases antioxidant activity in the blood as well as shows potential to prevent DNA damage. Oxidative stress due to extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation plays a role in the development of skin cancer. Antioxidants derived from natural products including blueberries (https://www.mdlinx.com/article/you-d-never-guess-these-things-can-fight-cancer/lfc-2910 ) have been researched for their preventive roles in the development of this disease, reports MDLinx. As per a review published in Cell.com, “These biological responses suggest that a chemopreventive option against skin cancer could be the inclusion of these substances in the daily diet.” Besides fighting cancer, blueberries are among certain fruits thought to be helpful in diminishing age-related cognitive decline. - Grapefruits:
MDLinx report says that the bioactive compound bergamottin is found in the pulp of grapefruits and pomelo citrus fruit. This type of furanocoumarin is a widely recognized inhibitor of cytochrome P450. “Recent studies have demonstrated potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties of grapefruit furanocoumarin both in vitro and in vivo,” according to the authors of a review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. The authors specifically cited in vitro research pointing to the anticancer effects of bergamottin with respect to glioma, breast cancer, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, liver cancer, as well as skin and lung cancer. But Mayo Clinic warns that you should not self-medicate or start grapefruit treatment if you are already on ANY form of medication. Grapefruit and certain other citrus fruits, such as Seville oranges, can interfere with several kinds of prescription medications. Problems arise because chemicals in the fruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the medication in your digestive system. - Pomegranates:
The Harvard doctors call it the jewel among fruits. Cleveland Clinic quotes registered dietitian Julia Zumpano who says pomegranate is a fruit packed with healing elements and immunity-boosting properties. Pomegranate contains antioxidants that help to protect cells from environmental toxins such as pollution and cigarette smoke, prevent and repair DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Zumpano adds that pomegranate juice alone won’t keep cancer at bay, but studies suggest it may be a nutritious addition to a healthy, plant-based diet such as the Mediterranean diet. Harvard report cites that studies suggest pomegranate juice may help lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. The authors of a systematic review published in Molecules noted that polyphenols from pomegranate demonstrate strong anticancer activity. - Cruciferous vegetables:
Cruciferous veggies are named for their four-petal flowers resembling a cross or “crucifer,” and are both cold hardy and cancer-fighting. As per a study published by the Department of Surgical Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago – “Results clearly point toward a positive correlation between cancer prevention of many target organs and consumption of cruciferous vegetable or their active constituents. Yet we are still far from a complete understanding of the effects of combinations of chemopreventive phytochemicals present in these cruciferous vegetables and their overall mechanism(s) of action in providing protective effects.” Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower are all forms of cruciferous vegetables and are rich in a class of phytochemicals referred to as isothiocyanates. UNC Lineberger (UNC School of Medicine) says cruciferous vegetables are known for their many health benefits, including their cancer-fighting properties. Broccoli is the most well-known cruciferous vegetable, although there are many others. Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, and dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens are also in the cruciferous family. Nearly all are excellent sources of vitamins C and K, folate (a B vitamin), potassium, fibre, and magnesium. Despite the cold weather, you can still get vegetables in season. It attributes the cancer-fighting properties of cruciferous vegetables to compounds called glucosinolates, which are found in all cruciferous vegetables – which upon ingestion, break down to isothiocyanates and indoles, which are associated with decreased inflammation, lowering the risk of cancer. The National Cancer Institute (USA) claims that studies in the laboratory show that they:
- They help inactivate carcinogens.
- They help protect cells from DNA damage.
- They have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
- They have anti-inflammatory effects.
- They induce cell death (apoptosis).
- They inhibit tumour blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and tumour cell migration (needed for metastasis).
Originally published in Times Now, https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/5-foods-that-kill-cancer-add-these-anti-carcinogenic-foods-to-your-regular-diet-cherries-blueberries-cruciferous-vegetables-pomegranates-grapefruit/838347