Cancer Fighting Foods

Our bodies are made up of millions of units called cells and sometimes some of these cells can become abnormal and completely out of control i.e. malignant. They can multiply at an alarming rate, invading healthy tissue and forming cancerous tumours, spreading throughout the body.

The causes of cancer can be many and varied – stress, pollution, heredity, smoking, being overweight and poor diet. All these contributory factors have a terrible effect on the immune system which then cannot function as it should to protect and supply healthy cells. Recent research suggests that poor diet is indeed a major cause for concern in the fight against cancer because in a poor diet many important nutrients are missing, such as powerful cancer fighting antioxidants.

These antioxidants fight free radicals (oxidants) which damage healthy cells and can cause cancer. They also boost the body’s immune system which will then fight and kill off the abnormal cells.

The important antioxidants are vitamins A (known in plant food as beta-carotene) C, D and E, selenium, zinc and recently researched lycopene. Other important nutrients are potassium and iron whose deficiency is responsible for many forms of illness.

So, therefore, cancer prevention can certainly be helped dramatically by reforming the way we eat and choosing healthier life giving foods. And should this dreadful disease get hold, the use of better diets can run along side conventional medical treatments very effectively These theories are heavily backed by institutions such as The Bristol Cancer Centre (www.bristolcancerhelp.org) and the National Cancer Therapy Trust (www.defeatingcancer.co.uk) who take the holistic approach of healing the mind, body and spirit. They strongly advocate the importance of healthy food and suggest the elimination of processed and refined foods and sometimes dairy, wheat and animal fats. There is also a strong emphasis on choosing organic produce which reduces the risk of ingestion of chemicals and pesticides.

In fact many now believe that opting for the alternative treatments, which amongst other things, strongly emphasise the importance of healthy food, makes more sense. They believe a weak and sick body requires cleansing and nurturing to strengthen the immune system and restore good health.

It’s a personal choice

Below is a list of powerful, healthy foods. most of which, are to be found in everyday vegetarian food. Click on the recipe page for meal ideas, it is quite easy to adapt the recipes to become wheat and dairy free if necessary

APPLES are great cleansers, good for cleansing the blood and helping liver function. Cider vinegar is an old treatment for arthritic conditions and is a healthy substitute for refined malt and white vinegars in cooking and salad dressings

APRICOTS dried apricots are a very rich source of beta-carotene and also contain iron. Organic ones are preferable as they haven’t been treated with sulphur dioxide or coloured.

BERRIES good source or antioxidants, blueberries especially. Cranberries are a good liver and kidney cleanser and used effectively for urinary infections.

BROWN RICE AND WHOLEGRAINS a rich source of fibre, contains vitamin E and other nutrients and helps fight bowel cancer

CABBAGE packed with vitamins C&E, beta-carotene, potassium, iron and is a good detoxifier. Captain Cook never sailed without barrels of sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) which his men had to eat every day – they never had scurvy which was the blight of sailors.

DRIED FRUITS like apricots are brimming with nutrients iron, calcium, potassium – high in beta-carotene and vitamin C.

GARLIC a very powerful protector and cleanser. Very high in antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal components. Very good for the immune system.

KIWI, MANGO, ORANGE AND PAPAYA aid digestion and cleanse the blood. Excellent sources of vitamin C, beta-carotene.

NUTS AND NUT OILS great source of vitamin E, zinc and selenium, especially brazil nuts. Selenium works with vitamin E to protect cells against oxidants (free radicals). High intake of selenium is said to help reduce the risk of colon, prostrate and lung cancer and can help to prevent skin cancer.

PULSES beans, lentils, chickpeas are excellent sources of protein and fibre, also potassium and iron. Although they do not have antioxidant properties, they provide these nutrients without saturated fats and cholesterol. They are a wonderful substitute for meat being versatile and tasty

SEEDS sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, all rich sources of antioxidant vitamin E and .selenium.

SOYA The Soya bean is the staple food of the East where the incidences of cancer are much less. Soya and its products, Soya milk, Soya sauce and tofu are now readily available in the West. Soya is high in protein and minerals and also isoflavones which are now thought to reduce the risk of certain cancers. Click on Soya foods

TOMATOES contain a high content of Lycopene which are thought to aid the recovery from cancer by killing off free radicals.

VEGETABLES orange, red, or green coloured ones are packed with beta-carotene, also vitamin C, iron, calcium and potassium. Excellent sources are, broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and peppers.

WHEATGRASS JUICE is a powerful cleanser and detoxifier.

YOGHURT organic, natural yoghurt contains acidophilus, a good bacteria which counteracts the bad bacteria in the gut.


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