Cancer is a frightening illness. It has impacted many of us, whether indirectly or directly. Millions of people have been affected by cancer's effects. There is a sense of helplessness among individuals who are at risk or who have already received a diagnosis.
“What can I do about this? How can I protect myself?”
You're mistaken about how easy the solution is. Researchers have found seven items that can naturally prevent cancer as technology in this field advances. You probably already have these ingredients in your kitchen, and by including them more frequently in your meals, you can prevent cancer.
What is Cancer?
Angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood cells, has vital role in cancer. The process itself is regulated by chemical signals in the body which are in responsible for the repair of damaged blood vessels and production of new blood vessels. The chemical signals that prevent this process are known as angiogenesis inhibitors. In a healthy body, there is a balance between the productions and inhibiting effects of these chemical signals, which causes formation of blood vessels, as needed.
Since tumors need blood supply for their growth, it stimulates the signal for angiogenesis. The production of blood vessels feeds the tumor with the oxygen and nutrients it requires to metastasize, spreading throughout the body.
Why Would These Foods Help?
The following seven foods are natural angiogenesis inhibitors, called antiangiogenic agents. They interfere with the process of metastasizing, blocking the formation of new blood vessels that are supporting the tumor, thus starving it. Scientists claim that this can prevent, slow, or even stop cancer.
1. Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenol catechins, compound with antioxidant, chemopreventive, and antiangiogenic properties. It has been scientifically shown that drinking 2-3 cups of green tea on a daily basis stopped the stimulated angiogenic signals by 70 percent and reduced tumor cell invasion by 50 percent.
2. Raw Cacao
Cacao beans contain flavanol, ingredient with antioxidant properties and ability to reduce damage done to cells. This is very important since cancer is caused by damaged cells. Cacao is abundant in antioxidant flavonols, polyphenols, and proanthocyanidins, all of which slow down the growth of cancerous cells. It is highly versatile and it can be added in baked goods, smoothies, and many more.
3. Curry
Molecules present in curry kill off cells in bowel and esophagus cancer and have been found to attack the cancerous cells within the very first24 hours of the curry being consumed. Although researchers are still investigating the cancer-fighting properties of this spice, it is recommended to take it as supplement or include it in your meals.
4. Blueberries
According to a study from Rutger University, 1 ½ cups of blueberries daily can reduce the rate of pre-cancerous lesions by 75 percent, due to pterostilbene, an antioxidant found in these berries.
5. Turmeric
This miraculous spice possesses antiangiogenic and chemopreventive properties, ably inhibiting carcinogenesis in liver, skin, intestines, and stomach. According to one research, the participants who ate 4g/ day of turmeric had a 40 percent reduction in the number of premalignant markers in cancer.
6. Lycopene
Lycopene is potent angiogenesis inhibitor which is found in tomatoes and gives them their red color. A study which involved 51,000 men showed that there was a 23 percent risk reduction in those who ate two servings of tomato sauce weekly.
7. Resveratrol Supplements
Being natural polyphenol and phytoalexin, resveratrol has the ability to inhibit angiogenesis. Make sure you consult your pharmacist when buying these supplements to get the right dose according to your weight and height.
Sources:
(1) (2) (3) National Cancer Institute (October 7, 2011) http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/angiogenesis-inhibitors-fact-sheet
(4) (6) (8) (9) William W. Li, Vincent W. Li, Michelle Hutnik, and Albert S. Chiou (4 July 2011) http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jo/2012/879623/
(5) (6/14/2012) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=16619
(7) Subhendu Mukherjee, Joceylyn I. Dudley, and Dipak K. Das. (Mar 18, 2010) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2990065/
(10) Ty Bollinger https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/cancer-fighting-health-benefits-of-blueberries/
(11) (7 May 2012) http://www.bbc.com/news/health-17959521
(12) http://www.nature.com/bjc/press_releases/p_r_oct09_6605308.html
(13) Jayaraj Ravindran, Sahdeo Prasad, Bharat B. Aggarwal (July 10 2009) http://link.springer.com/article/10.1208/s12248-009-9128-x
(14) Becky Slemons (February 10, 2016) http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/features/can-chocolate-be-good-for-you
(15) Susan Silberstein (2014) http://www.healthyfoodteam.com/cancer-dies-eat-7-foods-start-eating-immediately/