The Hearty Soul


Cancer is a scary disease. Many of us have been affected by it whether distantly or up close. The repercussions of cancer have touched the lives of millions. For those who are at risk or have already been diagnosed, there a feeling of helplessness.
“What can I do about this? How can I protect myself?”
The answer is simpler than you think. As science develops in this area, researchers have discovered seven foods with the capabilities to inhibit cancer naturally. They are commodities you probably already have in your kitchen and by incorporating them more into your meals, you are saving yourself from cancer.

What is Cancer?

cancer
A critical role in cancer is angiogenesis, which is the process to create new blood cells. This process is controlled by chemical signals in the body. The signals prompt the repair of damaged blood vessels and the productions of new blood vessels. The chemical signals that foil this process are called angiogenesis inhibitors. In a healthy body, the productions and the inhibiting effects of these two chemical signals are balanced, causing the blood vessels to form only as needed. (1)
Tumors need a blood supply to grow, so it stimulates the signal for angiogenesis. This blood vessel production feeds the tumor the nutrients and oxygen it needs to metastasize, spreading through the body. (2) 

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. (3)

 The 7 Foods:

Green Tea

The polyphenol catechins in this tea contain chemopreventive and antiangiogenic abilities, in addition to being a potent antioxidant. Studies have shown drinking 2-3 cups of green tea a day inhibited the stimulated angiogenic signals by 70%, and reduced the tumor cell invasion by 50%. (4)

Resveratrol Supplements

Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin (which plants use to inhibit parasites) and polyphenol (which acts as an antioxidant) (5). Therefore, resveratrol inhibits angiogenesis. (6) Consult your pharmacist when purchasing these supplements to ensure the dose is correct for your height and weight to achieve full potency. (7)

 

Tomatoes

Lycopene is the natural pigment in tomatoes that gives them their bright red color. It is also an angiogenesis inhibitor. In a study that included over 51, 000 men found there was a 23% risk reduction for those who had two servings of tomato sauce a week. (8)

Turmeric

Turmeric has a chemopreventive and antiangiogenic ability, and it inhibits carcinogenesis in stomach, liver, skin, and intestines. In one research, the subjects who consumed 4 g/day of turmeric had a 40% reduction in the number of premalignant markers in cancer. (9)

Blueberries

blueberries
A study from Rutger University proves that a 1 ½ cups of blueberries per day can reduce the rate of pre-cancerous lesions by 57%. This is due to the antioxidant in these miraculous berries called pterostilbene. (10)

Curry

Molecules in curry have been found to kill cells in esophagus and bowel cancer. (11) They attack the cancer cells within 24 hours of the curry being consumed. (12)  Scientists are researching this spice more in-depth as a potential cancer cure. (13) It would be beneficial for you to incorporate it into your cooking, or consider taking it as a supplement.

Raw Cacao

The flavanol ingredient in cacao beans is an antioxidant that reduces damage done to cells. Cancer is developed from such damaged cells.  (14)  Cacao is filled with potent antioxidant flavonols, proanthocyanidins, and polyphenols, all of which help to slow the growth of cancer cells. (15) Add it to smoothies or healthy baked goods for a cancer-fighting dessert.

Stay Healthy

Including these seven foods into a healthy diet is a well-balanced combat for cancer. Don’t forget to prepare them in a way you enjoy. Fighting cancer has never tasted so good.