Arm yourself against Cancer!

Cancer...it's a dirty word. It's a word I hate to say and even more hate to hear. Unfortunately, as I get older I feel like I hear it way to often. It seems that there is not one person on this earth that hasn't been touched by cancer, whether it be their own personal battle or that of a loved one.

This month we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness. Walks and charity drives are held in order to raise money for research in hopes of finding a cure and ending cancer all together. I am very supportive of these acts of compassion towards a great cause. One of the best part of these walks and charity drives is not so much the money raised so much as the camaraderie and the strength that is put on display and recognized among the family and friends and fighters of this horrible disease. The power that these events give to those feeling helpless and desperate and in need of support is paramount. However, I believe it is equally imperative that we begin to look down at our plate for answers, cures, and prevention.

Food is medicine and it is amazing how easy it is to make sure that you are eating cancer fighting and preventive foods. To make it even easier I have provided a grocery list for you below!

Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage- All three of these contain a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol, which can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective type. The phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin, found in broccoli (especially sprouts) is believed to help prevent some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer.

Kale (my favorite!)-has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help prevent the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. Kale also has phytochemicals called isothiocyanates, which are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets. Sweet!

Seaweed along with other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, chlorophyll, protein, B-12, fiber, and chlorophylones- important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea veggies also contain high concentration of the minerals calcium, iron, iodine, and magnesium.

Avocados- Often people avoid this wonderful food for fear of it's fat content...and then they go order a side of fries (d'oh!). This magical fruit is one of the best kinds of fat. It is rich in gluthathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the the body by bocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. Did you catch that? Eating avocados can prevent you from getting fat! It is believed that avocados may be useful in treating hepatitis ( a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage. They also contain more potassium then bananas.

Flax is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease. They also contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous change. Wondering how to use flax? I add ground flaxseed to my smoothies, my soups, etc. Easy peasy.

Tumeric- If this is not a staple in your diet you are missing one of the best spices on the planet with some seriously powerful medicinal properties. Tumeric inhibits the production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxgenase 2 (COX-2). Why is this important? Because levels of COX-2 are found to be abnormally high in certain inflammatory disease and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer. This is a serious no brainer. Go buy this spice!!

So, above I have listed some of my top favorite from this long list and why they are so great. Below you will see the entire grocery list. Heal thyself and take this list to the store.

Vegetables
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Carrots
Kale
Mushrooms: shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor
Seaweed and other sea vegetables
Sweet potatoes

Fruit
Avocados
Chili peppers
Figs
Grapefruits
Grapes
Oranges and lemons
Papayas
Raspberries
Tomatoes

Seeds & Nuts
Flax
Nuts

Herbs & Spices
Garlic
Rosemary
Tapioca
Tumeric

Beverages
Red wine (hallelujah!)
Green tea and black tea

* For a free holistic health consultation please contact Ellie at lovelightandwellbeing@gmail.com