BROCCOLI
How it combats cancer:
Research has revealed that a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol
can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting
estrogen into a more protective riety. The phytochemical
sulforaphane raises the levels of certain cancer-fighting
enzymes that defend the body from cigarette smoke, fumes,
pesticides & other known carcinogens.
Diet tips: Broccoli leaves
actually contain more beta-carotene (i.e. pre-Vitamin A)
than the florets - use leaves in purees, soups, stir-fries.
To preserve broccoli's valuable nutrients, steam or microwave,
being careful not to overcook. Avoid garnishing broccoli
with fatty cheeses and creams instead,squeeze on some lemon
juice or sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs.
PAPAYA
How it combats cancer:
Its plentiful store of vitamin C works as an antioxidant
and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines
from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin
(also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize
cervical ysplasia and certain cancers.
Diet tips: Choose papayas
that are at least half yellow in the store - fully green
ones were probably picked too soon and won't ripen properly.
You can serve papaya in fruit salad, add it to a garlic-and-spinach
pasta mixture, or just eat it on its own, letting the juice
dribble down your arm.
GARLIC
How it combats cancer:
Garlic's immune-enhancing allium compounds block carcinogens
from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl
sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown
to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have
linked garlic - as well as onions, leeks, and chives - to
lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Diet tips: Add raw garlic
to salads, use it fresh in marinades and sauces; rub freshly
cut garlic around the insides of salad bowls and over chicken
and fish fillets. Avoid dried or powdered garlic, which
is less concentrated - and less effective
KALE
How it combats cancer:
Research has shown that indoles, nitrogen compounds found
in kale and other leafy greens, may help stop the conversion
of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive
tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found
in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block
cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.
Diet tips: A cruciferous
vegetable, kale requires quick cooking - blanching or steaming
- to preserve its nutrients. When you're done, save the
nutrient-rich cooking liquid for soups or sauces. You can
also use whole large leaves to wrap fillings or to layer
in lasagna.
SWEET POTATO
How it combats cancer:
This nutrient-dense food contains many anticancer properties.
It's loaded with beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in
the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the
nuclear membrane.
Diet tips: Go for freshness
when picking potatoes - canned arieties contain less beta-carotene
and vitamins C and B. Naturally sweet and creamy, mashed
sweet potatoes can be enhanced with a little apple juice.
Or whip the cooked tubers with orange zest or orange juice
and season with cinnamon,nutmeg, and ginger.
GRAPEFRUIT
How it combats cancer:
Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits,contain
monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping
carcinogens out of the body. Some studies show that grapefruit
can inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in
vitro. It also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic
acid.
Diet tips: Grapefruit can
be sweetened with brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup
or honey; vanilla extract, fresh mint, and almonds also
accent the fruit's flavor. Grapefruit juice will give you
the antioxidants and phytochemicals that fight cancer, but
it's missing the fiber that fresh,whole grapefruit offers.
AVOCADO
How it combats cancer:
Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant
that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal
absorption of certain fats. Ounce for ounce, avocados also
supply 60 percent more potassium than bananas and are a
strong source of beta-carotene.
Diet tips: Store avocados
at room temperature until they soften. If you don't eat
the fruit immediately after cutting, sprinkle on some lemon
or lime juice to keep it from darkening. Add chunks or slices
to salads and sandwiches or spread mashed avocado on bread.
SEAWEED
How they combat cancer:
Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene,
protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as
chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in
the fight against breast cancer. Also, many sea vegetables
have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium,
magnesium, iron, and iodine.
Diet tips: Sea vegetables
come fresh, dried, or powdered. Both the Japanese & the
Irish regularly use them as flavorings for broths & soups,stir-fried
over rice, or as a wrap for fish and other seafood. Varieties
such as dulce, wakame, kombu, and hijiki even appear in
pancakes,salads,puddings, and sandwiches.
TOFU
How it combats cancer:
Soy contains several types of phytoestrogens -weak, nonsteroidal
estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate
cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes. Genistein,one
type of phytoestrogen, also lowers breast-cancer risk by
inhibiting the growth of epithelial cells & new blood vessels
that tumors require to flourish.
Diet tips: Tofu is made
by coagulating the protein in soybeans - much the way cheese
is produced. While bland on its own, tofu absorbs other
flavors when cooked, making it perfect for stir-fries, dips,
spreads,shakes, even cheesecake. It's also a good high-protein
substitute for meat, whole milk & mayonnaise
Disclaimer: The contents
of this section are based on the experience, practice and
reading knowledge of our readers.Nilacharal is NOT responsible
for the authenticity of the contents.
