Exploring the 15 Healing Foods for Cancer

In the fight against cancer, the power of nature's pharmacy cannot be overstated. While medical interventions play a crucial role in treatment, the foods we consume can also exert a profound influence on our body's ability to prevent and combat this disease. In this article, we'll explore 15 healing foods that have shown promise in supporting cancer prevention and treatment.

1. Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, blueberries protect the brain, prevent damage to DNA, and inhibit cancer cell development.

2. Flaxseed: Contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a primary source of omega-3 fatty acids which can protect the body from damage. Helps prevent depressive moods.

3. Broccoli: A mighty green, full of immune-boosting, vitamins, nutrients, and phytochemicals.

4. Broccoli Sprouts: Good killers of cancer because of their high sulforaphane content.

5. Cacao: -Not to be confused with cocoa, cacao is the main ingredient in pure chocolate before it is processed into what we all know and love. Has 40x the antioxidant count than blueberries! Contains theobromine, which in studies has been shown to prevent glioblastoma. Caution** contains high levels of caffeine, consume with caution.

6. Dark Leafy Greens: Full of compounds that detox the body.

7. Garlic: Great overall food to include in everyday meals and works hard to boost the immune system.

8. Ginger: Contains a natural chemical, gingerol, which kills and starves cancer cells.

9. Grapes: Rich in antioxidant resveratrol, it has the potential to stop cancer from starting in the breast, liver, stomach, and lymphatic system.

10. Lemon: Alkalizes the body, making in inhabitable for cancer cells. Lemons also contain a substance called, hesperidin, that cuts off the blood flow to cancerous tumors.

11. Mushrooms: One of the few food sources of Vitamin D, mushrooms inhibit tumor growth and create new healthy cells. Certain mushrooms specially aid in healing certain cancers, like breast cancer.

12. Quinoa: The ancient grain, releases peptides and antioxidants into the gut that have the potential to prevent of slow the growth of cancer.

13. Tigernuts: Contrary to its name, a tigernut is actually a vegetable. Full of as much iron as red meat, and high in probiotics, tigernuts are a fantastic anticancer food. One study has shown it is useful in preventing liver damage from pain relievers.

14. Tomatoes: Full of lycopenes, a powerful antioxidant that reduces the risk of many different cancers.

15. Turmeric: Full of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties have been found to decrease tumor sizes.

While incorporating these healing foods into your diet can be a powerful step towards cancer prevention and treatment, it's essential to remember that no single food can guarantee protection against this complex disease. A balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrient-dense foods, along with other healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and stress management, forms the foundation of a holistic approach to cancer prevention and wellness. To learn more about each food group and what they provide, as well as how much to consume contact your local dietitian.

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Cancer free with food by Liana Werner-Gray