People have used food and herbs as sources of healing for thousands of years. Although health care providers routinely advise patients to consume a healthy balanced diet, scientists are just beginning to research the healing abilities of some of the foods that you regard as healthy. Since cancer rates increase each year, scientists are now researching health foods and herbs for anticancer benefits. Most research surrounds the antioxidant properties of food and herbs. Antioxidants are chemicals that prevent molecules called free radicals from damaging healthy cells. Studies must continue to be performed to obtain definitive treatment and prevention options, but many studies have yielded promising results. Always consult your physician before attempting to use food or herbs as treatment for cancer.
Oregano
Oregano is an herb that you can easily incorporate into your diet. Besides enhancing the flavor of chicken, pasta and tomato dishes, oregano scored highest in antioxidant activity among herbs, the U.S. Department of Agriculture states. These varieties of oregano contain high levels of the antioxidant rosmarinic acid. According to a study published in the "Journal of Nutrition," rosmarinic acid may be effective in preventing cancer by reducing the effects of cyclooxygenase -2, which is a risk factor in the development of tumors.
Leafy, Green Vegetables
Leafy, green vegetables include spinach, kale, salad greens and Swiss chard. These vegetables are high in carotenoids and folic acid, which act as antioxidants. Leafy, green vegetables may protect you from cancers of the skin, breast, lung and stomach. A 2002 study in "Cancer and Metastasis Reviews" found that carotenoids, including lutein, lycopene, capsanthin and phytoene may be useful for cancer prevention. Increase your intake of green vegetables by adding a salad appetizer to meals or filling your breakfast omelet with spinach. Experiment with a variety of leafy, green vegetables for the maximum health benefits.
Herbal Tea
Tea is rich in flavonoid and polyphenol antioxidants. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, a specific flavonoid called catechin is currently being studied for anticancer benefits. Green tea is the greatest source of catechins in the diet, and laboratory studies have shown that the antioxidants in tea may fight cancer of the colon, liver, breast and prostate. The American Cancer Society indicates that a catechin called EGCG may promote cancer cell death. According to the ACS, laboratory test tube studies of tea, particularly green tea, have shown promise. However, human studies have yielded mixed results, so more research is needed to determine the precise effects of tea on cancer cells.
Garlic
Garlic not only adds flavor to your cooking, but it may also prevent you from getting cancer. Garlic belongs to the family of vegetables that includes onions, leeks and chives. According to the National Cancer Institute, garlic may provide protection from cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the NCI indicates that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of garlic in preventing cancer. This is due to an inability to determine the amount and preparation of garlic that provides protection from cancer.
References
- American Institute for Cancer Research: Foods that Fight Cancer
- American Cancer Society: Green Tea
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Herbs Can Spice Up Your Antioxidant Protection
- Journal of Nutrition: Rosmarinic Acid Antagonizes Activator Protein-1-Dependent Activation of Cyclooxyganase-2 Expression in Human Cancer and Nonmalignant Cell Lines
- National Cancer Institute: Garlic and Cancer Prevention
- PubMed.gov: Carotenoids in Cancer Chemoprevention
