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20 Inexpensive, Natural Foods To Prevent Or Reverse Cancer
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Have you seen the recent stories about how some doctors give their patients a diagnosis of cancer to rake in some big money, but these patients later find out that they never had cancer to begin with?
Many of the so-called cancers that are diagnosed in the lungs, thyroid, prostate or breasts are actually nothing more than indolent lesions or slightly mutated cells that actually do not cause the body any harm. It’s like seeing a scrape on a person’s elbow and suggesting that they cut off their arm to prevent infection. A bit extreme, to say the least!
If you have recently received a diagnosis of cancer, be skeptical. Get a second, and even a third opinion. Don’t panic or feel helpless. You don’t have to act immediately. By asking questions and keeping control over your emotions while doing some thorough research, you can usually avoid unnecessary and devastating “cancer” treatments.
Whether cancer is really present or if the condition is actually benign, there are plenty of alternative methods you can use to help your body regenerate itself and return to a normal state of healing.
Many foods, beverages, and spices not only help to give the body vital nutrition, but also prevent the DNA damage that is caused by free radicals and stop inflammation.
Why don’t more people eat healthy, organic foods? The cost. Have you ever noticed that a trans-fat, GMO-filled hamburger and fries is $2, but a large vegetable-filled salad is $9? For those on a budget, the choice is obvious.
That is why we have created a list of some of the best anti cancer foods in the world that also happen to be inexpensive.
Protect yourself from cancer, stop cancer dead in its tracks, and prevent other types of disease, such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis, all by including the 20 following foods, spices, and beverages in your diet as often as possible.
1. Onions
With three different cancer-fighting compounds, onions, which are extremely inexpensive, are one of your best defenses against cancer and other disease. Onions contain flavonoids, which prevent your DNA from becoming damaged. Fructans stimulate the growth of the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system that keep your natural immune system strong, and the organosulfur compounds in onions stop blood clots at the source. The stronger the onion, the more powerful the disease fighting compounds. Yellow onions are quite strong and extremely inexpensive. You might want to even consider growing some in your garden. They store well and can be grown from seedlings for next to nothing.
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2. Dark Green Leafy Veggies
Studies have shown that breast cancer cannot survive where the antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein are found in high amounts. You can get these vital, cancer killing antioxidants in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. Although organic vegetables are, no doubt, expensive, these are still a real bargain, especially when you buy them in season. You can also cut costs by picking up these veggies at your local farmers’ market, or try growing them yourself at home. Many of these veggies can be grown in pots, so no matter how limited your space is you can always grow a pot or two of spinach or romaine lettuce.
3. Green Tea
One of the healthiest drinks in the world, green tea has powerful bioactive compounds, such as catechins and flavonoids, which are important antioxidants that fight the damage that free radicals cause. Free radicals actually damage our DNA, mutating the cells. Mutated cells can turn to cancerous cells. The most powerful antioxidant in green tea is known as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). This potent and unique antioxidant has been studied extensively and is known to fight disease. The only thing about green tea is that most of the stuff people drink, the tea sold in bottles or even the tea bags from that well-known brand with the captain on the label, is junk. Seriously. Junk. Bottled tea has been processed and heated until all the healthy things you are drinking it for have been destroyed. Those green tea bags from most major manufacturers are simply “green” tea leaves that have not matured yet, not true green tea. Green tea is best purchased from Japanese companies with established reputations.
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4. Lentils and Chickpeas
Lentils and chickpeas (sometimes called garbanzo beans) are nutrition packed powerhouses that provide calcium, B vitamins, and have been shown in numerous studies to reduce the risk of breast cancer. These two tasty sources of protein are one of the cheapest alternatives to cancer-causing red meat. Try to find chickpeas in a glass bottle rather than a can.
5. Mushrooms
Be sure that you leave room in your diet for ‘shrooms! Although it is true that some varieties of mushroom can be outrageously expensive, look for mushrooms that are in season or that are on sale. Portobello and button mushrooms are, for the most part, reasonably priced. Studies show that adding mushrooms regularly to the diets of lab animals stimulated the animals’ immune system. This can help your body to naturally fight off not only infection and viruses, but cancer and other diseases as well. Researchers believe that the beneficial nutrients and bacteria inside the cell walls of fungus can actually strengthen your own natural defenses when it comes to fighting disease.
6. Red Foods
Of course we are not talking about red meat here, but red produce right from Mother Nature. Red foods are rich in a substance called lycopene, which has been shown in numerous studies to cause the death of cancer cells. Add plenty of red foods, such as cranberries, tomatoes, cherries, strawberries, watermelon, pink grapefruit, red bell peppers, and beets, to your diet. Tomatoes, especially, have been shown in studies to have powerful anticancer compounds. One of the great things about tomatoes is that it doesn’t matter if you eat them fresh, cooked, baked, or stewed; they retain all their important vitamins and lycopene. Tomatoes are one of the most bargain-friendly foods around as well!
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7. Red Grapes and Wine
Yes, we realize that wine can be pretty pricey, but not all brands are expensive. There are plenty of good quality wines that you can enjoy at a reasonable price. Red grapes are also a bargain, especially when they are in season. Both red grapes, and the red wine they create, contain a powerful protective chemical called resveratrol, which reduces your risk of both heart disease and cancer. The trick to red wine is to drink no more than one glass a night, ladies, and gentleman need to stick to no more than two glasses. Freeze red grapes for an after dinner treat that will remind you of eating candy! Go organic and buy local, by the way, to avoid some of the worst pesticides that are allowed in other countries.
8. Omega-3
Studies done at Zhejiang University found that those who consumed one serving each day of tuna or salmon and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids had a reduced risk of breast cancer by a whopping 14 percent! This was a long term study done on more than 800,000 women. Besides being good for your heart and cardiovascular system, omega-3s can help to stop inflammation in the body, which is the basis for many chronic diseases. If fish is not your thing, then you can always consume fish oil or krill oil supplements. Please speak with your doctor before you take any supplement to be certain that you are taking the correct dosage for your unique situation.
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9. Coffee
Brewing fresh coffee at home is quite inexpensive and full of healthy antioxidants. Drinking one to three cups of Joe each day can actually cut your risk of heart disease and a heart attack by an incredible 25 percent, according to a study done by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Coffee is thought to stop cancer and fight heart disease through its unique acid content and powerful antioxidants. To get the most out of your coffee, use a paper filter, and choose either a medium roast or a high antioxidant brand of coffee. Have that second or third cup of coffee and feel good about it!
10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
In a study done at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, scientists found that women who consumed a typical Mediterranean diet, with plenty of extra virgin olive oil in their daily meals, reduced their risk of breast cancer by an unbelievable 62 percent over the 5 year study period. Although olive oil isn’t always the best for cooking, it is great for dips and as a base for salad dressings. Drizzle some on your vegetable dishes and use it freely!
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11. Cabbage
Michigan State University in East Lansing conducted a study which found that women who consumed more than 3 cups of cabbage each week cut their risk of breast cancer by as much as 70 percent! Cabbage will not only cut your cholesterol levels, but its powerful phytochemicals are well known to fight off chronic diseases. Cabbage is very inexpensive and even comes in various colors that contain extra health benefits. Like garlic, cabbage needs to be cut to release its cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Coleslaw, anyone?
12. Flax Seeds
The lignans found in flax seeds are a type of phytoestrogen, which has been proven in numerous studies to prevent breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Flax seeds are another food that needs to be ground in order to release its healing compounds. Your best option here is to buy whole flax seeds and store them in the freezer. Grind two tablespoons each day in your coffee grinder or spice grinder. Sprinkle your ground flax seeds on oatmeal or cereal, or put it in your morning smoothie. Whole flax seeds are very inexpensive, especially when purchased in bulk. You can also take flax seed oil supplements, but you should check with your doctor before taking any supplement to ensure that you are taking the correct dosage for your situation.
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13. Turmeric
This spice has so many benefits we couldn’t possibly list them all here. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been the subject of numerous studies in recent years. Turmeric has been linked to lower risks of depression, is a super anti-inflammatory, fights against Alzheimer’s disease, and is one of the best cancer preventative spices around. Turmeric appears to stop the spread of cancer and cancerous tumors by cutting off their blood supply. Some studies have even shown that turmeric causes the death of cancer cells. The only drawback here is that turmeric is difficult for the body to absorb. Be sure you consume black pepper, coconut oil or even a glass of milk to improve absorption rates.
14. Watermelon
Although tomatoes get most of the credit for lycopene, watermelon (which also contains lycopene) also has citrulline and arginine, which are known to prevent cardiovascular disease by keeping the arteries of the body flexible. This will also reduce blood pressure levels. Get your cancer prevention and heart disease prevention in one big juicy summertime fruit. Also, be sure to store your melon on the counter, not in the fridge. The antioxidant content in watermelon is doubled at room temperature, rather than when it has been chilled, according to the USDA.
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15. Oregano
Can you say Italian food?! Studies show that just ½ a teaspoon of dried oregano contains the same level of antioxidants that 3 cups of raw spinach has! It also has more than its share of vitamin K, which keeps bones strong, and is even a terrific source of fiber, which is well known for the prevention of colorectal cancer. Both dried and fresh oregano have the same level of antioxidants, so no matter which you choose you are the winner in the fight against cancer. Oregano, especially dried, is very inexpensive, so sprinkle that spice everywhere!
16. Tart Cherries
When these are in season, they are a real bargain. You might want to consider juicing and freezing them for later use when the price is not as reasonable. Be sure that you are consuming tart cherries and not the sweeter type, such as Bing cherries. Tart cherries are super anti-inflammatory, which can stop cancer before it even starts. They are also terrific for dieters, as a study on animals done at the University of Michigan showed that when subjects were fed the equivalent of 1.5 cups of tart cherries over a 90-day period, these subjects lost more belly fat than those who were not fed cherries.
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17. Peanuts
Although all nuts have tons of health benefits, peanuts provide off-the-chart levels of resveratrol, the same cancer fighting substance found in grapes and red wine. Resveratrol lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, the risk of colorectal cancer (due to their high fiber content), and they make a fantastic afternoon snack. Don’t eat too many as they are high in fat and calories. Just one ounce (about a handful) is all you need. Eat the toasted or roasted nuts as they contain more cancer-fighting polyphenols than raw peanuts.
18. Milk
Not only is milk full of bone-building calcium and vitamin D, studies done by the Harvard Medical School of Boston showed that people who drank at least two glasses every day lowered their risk of colon cancer by 15 percent. Scientists aren’t sure, but they believe that the calcium and vitamin D found in milk work together to stop the growth of cancer cells. Try drinking a glass after your workout to help your muscles recover faster. Always look for organic or raw milk without hormones or antibiotics.
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19. Shrimp
Although shrimp is another food that can be expensive, it can also be very affordable when you look for deals. Especially when it comes to calories, these little guys are a bargain. A typical 4-ounce serving gives you 23 grams of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, all for a tiny 119 calories. However, in addition to a calorie bargain, shrimp contains selenium, which is an antioxidant that has been linked in several studies to a lower risk of lung and colon cancer. Shrimp also increases your good (HDL) cholesterol by about 12 percent! Choose shrimp from Canada as it has fewer contaminants. The good news here is that frozen shrimp still has all the cancer-fighting compounds that fresh shrimp has, so when you find a bargain on frozen shrimp, stock up!
READ ALSO: 15 Ways To NOT Get Cancer (#9 Saves Money, Too!)
20. Pumpkin Seeds
Who doesn’t love the taste of pumpkin seeds? Rich in tryptophan, pumpkin seeds can help to keep you feeling calmer, less stressed, and even improve your sleep. Pumpkin seeds also have phytosterols that lower cholesterol levels and fight off certain types of cancer. These tasty seeds are terrific at fighting inflammation in the body, and are full of powerful antioxidants. These seeds, sometimes called pepitas, also contain phytoestrogens, which regulate some of the factors that are involved in breast cancer. Just one ounce of these delicious seeds is all you need to get lower cholesterol levels as well as fight cancer. Who could ask for more?
References:
Kitsy WooWoo
Jan 19, 2016 at 9:45 am
“…studies done by the Harvard Medical School of Boston showed that people
who drank at least two glasses every day lowered their risk of colon
cancer by 15 percent.”
And yet ……:
https://healthesolutions.com/harvard-declares-dairy-not-part-of-healthy-diet/