A Diet to Fight Cancer

America’s third president knew something about vegetables that science confirms more than 200 years later. Jefferson’s example of using meat as a decoration for vegetables could fight cancer, as well as, make a beautiful dinner table. The nutrients in plant-based food give the body a defense that may help prevent certain cancers.

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most effective cancer fighting foods.

Folate-Rich Foods
Nutrition labels show how much folate a product contains, and you need to know where you can find about 400 micrograms every day. A control group of male smokers reduced the risk of pancreatic cancer in half by eating folate-rich food. You can find folate here:
• orange juice
• cereal
• bread
• pasta
• spinach or romaine salad
• dried beans or peas
• peanuts
• asparagus
• Brussels sprouts

Vitamin D
Teeth and bones need vitamin D for strength, but researchers find that it can curtail the growth of lung and breast cancer cells as well. Scientists consider the intake of 400 international units (IU) as too low, replacing it with a requirement of 1000 units for both sexes. You can find vitamin D here:
• milk
• cod
• shrimp
• Chinook salmon
• eggs
• up to 5,000 IU from 10 minutes in the sun

Tea
A refreshing cup of tea can do much more than providing a relaxing interlude. Kaempferol, an antioxidant flavonoid, affects cancer as well. A study of 66,000 women showed protection against ovarian cancer for those who drank four cups of tea per day. Another study showed that flavonoid consumption lowered the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by 46 percent. You can find flavonoids here:
• iced tea
• hot tea

Cruciferous Vegetables
Plants in the cabbage family have a lot in common: a distinctive aroma, rich flavor and the ability to defend against cancer. Their crispness invites you to munch on them and release cancer-killing substances. Recent studies show promising results against colon and prostate cancer. You can find the properties in these:
• kale
• turnip greens
• cabbage
• cauliflower
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• stir-fry

Curcumin
Protective effects of curcumin may combat gastrointestinal and bladder cancers by fighting inflammation, a common factor among cancers. Recent studies show that the spice can interrupt the cell-signaling pathways and help deter invasion by cancerous cells. Curcumin constitutes up to 6 percent of turmeric, a spice that has a pungent flavor and scents of ginger or orange. You can sprinkle a little turmeric powder to taste on these:
• roasted vegetables and chicken
• rice
• scrambled eggs or frittatas
• greens
• soups
• smoothies

Ginger
A spice that can quell nausea, ginger may help fight cancer as well. Researchers find that it seems to kill cancer cells in two ways, but the spice’s promise needs proof in animal and human trials. Focusing on its effect on ovarian cancer, researchers hope that women do not develop a resistance to it as many do to chemotherapy drugs. You can sip ginger ale or use the spice on these dishes:
• soups
• zesty sauces
• marinades
• fish
• stir-fry
• baking

Understanding the Cancer Treatment Center Difference
With a philosophy that regards each cancer as a unique condition, the five Cancer Treatment Centers of America commit to providing truly personalized care. Our cancer experts devote their full attention to treating cancer and nothing else, focusing on every aspect of the disease, including prevention. We use a collaborative approach to treating the complexities of cancer, incorporating the latest innovative options, state-of-the-art technologies, and our patients diet.

By incorporating conventional surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy with evidence-based therapies, including diet based prevention, we offer patients aggressive treatment regimens and support for cancer-related side effects. Our dedication to treating cancer shows in the quality of our services and the commitment of our dedicated experts.