Harvesting the Power of Plants – Potent Anticancer Substances in Vegetables
Chances are that you have been aware of the prevalence of cancer in our society. To benefit the prevention, detection and patient services for those individuals and family experiencing cancer you can find some support here.
Cancer is not a single disease. It is a group of many diseases all characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The incidence of cancers has increased over the years regardless of the amount of research, as such our treatments have also become more site specific and effective at curtailing cancer growth and detection at early stages.
What is cancer and how can we protect ourselves from this increase in incidence that is occurring in the world? Cancer has been looked at in a variety of ways. It has been viewed as an abnormal regulation of in cell growth and genetic expression, as an unhealed wound both physically and emotionally, as immune imbalance and weakness within our immune system and as a result of cumulative insults and mutations.
How is it that we can protect and help ourselves in enhancing our vitality to reduce the likely hood of cancer in our own lives? Prevention and wellness as well as early screening and detection of cancer are the places to start.
According to the Journal of Nutrition “Of the 1.3 million deaths annually in the United States for which the underlying cause is known, at least 300,000 are due to the way we eat and our failure to exercise.” For the Americans who do not smoke cigarettes, dietary choices and physical activity become the most important modifiable determinants of cancer risk.
Areas to assess in ones life are nutritional benefits and requirements, organic verse non-organic produce, physiologic stress reduction and detoxification.
As to date there is no “magic bullet” against cancer, but there are over 200 studies showing that a diet rich in vegetables and fruit can lower the risk of various cancers that our prevalent in our society.
Plants capture and absorb the sun’s ionizing radiation and turn this captured energy into a process called photosynthesis. Plants have developed an array of activity and phytochemicals (plant derived chemicals) to off set this chemical process and its’ production of free radical. Not only do plants provide a variety of valuable nutrients; they have developed an array of antioxidants, immune stimulants, anti-fungal agents, bio-regulators, adaptogens and other valuable nutritional factors.
Although the National Academy of Science who determines the Recommended Dietary Allowance has been unable to determine the RDA for these valuable anticancer quasi-vitamins, there are hundreds of research studies supporting that certain vegetables both prevent and help reverse cancer.
Foods contain both major and minor constituents.
The major ones are found in protein, fat, carbohydrates and fiber. The minor nutrients are include vitamins A, C, D, E and K as well as folic acid and selenium, just to name a few. Some of the anti-cancer foods from the plant kingdom known for their agents, such as phytochemicals are foods that should be included and increased in our diet.
- Garlic, onion, leeks, chives and shallots all contain allylic acid. Allylic acid helps to detoxify the body and fortify cells while stimulating immune function.
- The cruciferous family, which contains broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and brussels sprouts, helps to activate enzymes that protect DNA from cancer-causing damage. This family of plants also contains indoles that help detoxify estrogens.
- Strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and walnuts contain ellagic acid, which protects cells from free radical damage and creates suicide (apoptosis) in cancer cells.
Soybeans and other legumes provide protection against hormonally induces cancers, like breast and prostate, by blocking estrogen into the cell. Soy and legumes also contain protease inhibitors and saponins that help protect and halt cancer cell division. - Flaxseeds, whole grains like oats and brown rice, legumes and seeds all contain lignans that have been shown to slow down the spreading (metastasis) of cancer while interfering with estrogen production.
- Tomatoes contain a constituent called lycopene. Lycopenes are a potent antioxidant that is protective especially to the prostate gland.
- Fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes can evict cancer-causing substances before the trouble starts due to there content of monoterpenes.
- Essential fatty acids found in cold water fish like salmon, cod, herring and sardines contain both omega 3 and omega 6 oils. These types of oils can not be synthesized in the body and must be obtained in thought the diet. They are required for proper development and function of a number of tissues, including brain, retina of the eye, hormonal and cardiovascular health. They are required for prostaglandin synthesis, which inhibit inflammation.
If you are dealing with cancer, stop for a moment and ask yourself: How I can make a quantum leap into vibrate health?
Diet is not the whole answer of course, but it is a place to start. The healthier you can eat, the healthier you will feel.
If you would like additional information on integrative cancer support and choices contact me or call the office at (970-889-3451). You do not have live local to get the help you need.
Let us work together for optimal health and wellness. As always, I wish you luck on your journey and know there is help.
