Superfoods - The Conqueror of Cancer?



Cancer as we know, is the one of the leading causes of death, alongside heart disease, here in North America and has effected many of us, one way or another. There are many cancer risk factors, that if we take care of ourselves properly can be prevented such as; diet, weight and physical activity. A whopping one third of all cancer deaths come from bad diets and lack of physical activity alone (1). After many years and billions of dollars in research, what if all along the foods we eat can act as preventative medicine to help conquer cancer? Just by taking a little more notice of the foods we put into our bodies, could potentially make cancer history, so it dies off and is one never to be seen again instead.

So what are the most important foods to consume to help beat cancer? Foods rich in antioxidants (such as carotenoids and Vitamin C), Omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA), phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and high in fibre have shown to be beneficial in warding off nasty cancer causing substances. Lets take a look at what foods contain these super substances:

Antioxidant abundance:
Antioxidants are the body’s major defense against free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals cause havoc in the body, causing damage everywhere in their path. Antioxidants neutralize them, therefore stopping them in their tracks to ensure they can’t cause any further damage. It only makes sense to consume more antioxidant rich foods, to make sure we have a consistent supply of these fantastic little free radical fighters to maintain optimal health. Antioxidants pack in a powerful punch when it comes to putting up a fight with cancer causers and diseased invaders. They can be found in many fresh (organic is best) fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits,, green leafy veggies, broccoli and goji berries along with chia and hemp seeds, and raw cacao. By taking a look at the US department of agriculture and their ORAC scores (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), raw cacao powder is one of the highest sources of antioxidants at a staggering 98,000 ORAC score. Raw cacao nibs come in close behind at a massive 62,000, with goji berries coming in with a huge 25,000 score. Consumption of Goji Berries has shown to have huge impact on human health, performance and disease prevention (2) Comparing these numbers to the recommended per person 3000-5000 ORAC unit consumption per day, raw cacao and goji’s jam in a truly unbeatable amount!

Veggie proteins and Omega-3
Sadly, the majority of society today sees fatty steaks and burgers as their only protein source that can hide a lot of scary chemicals. The truth is, there are a lot of whole food vegetable protein options our there also including seeds, vegetables and grains that contain a lot more than just protein and are such a versatile (and easy!) addition to any family’s diet. An abundance of Omega 3 essential fatty acid, fiber and complete protein can be found in nutrient rich foods such as quinoa, hemp seeds, chia seeds and vegetables which all contain an amazing full package of cancer fighting substances to help keep you happy and healthy inside and out.

Upping your intake of these foods and their plant-based proteins, compared to that of fatty meats, has been shown to have anti-cancer benefits due to reduced intake of ‘bad fats’ and increase of cancer fighting phytochemicals, protein, omega 3 and fiber. An Italian study showed a diet rich in vegetables protects us from the risk of developing the most common epithelial cancers and nasty neoplasms (3)

An essential fatty acid, Omega 3, has also been shown to have anti-cancer benefits by weakening and reducing cancer cells from a variety of cancers such as colonic, pancreatic, prostate and breast cancers found in humans (4). So how about this simple solution to help contribute to a cancer fighting body: cut out (or at least reduce to start) fatty meats, and increase crisp, fresh vegetables, wholesome whole grains such as nutty quinoa along with hemp and chia super seeds. Sounds delish and your body will thank you!

Say goodbye
What if by following these simple, dietary changes we could help beat cancer forever? The evidence is there that by cutting out bad dietary habits and simply starting by avoiding those drive-thru’s, increasing exercise, and including a daily diet that incorporates all of the above antioxidants, vegetable proteins, and wholesome fiber packed grains, we can stand up for our bodies and say NO to cancer. After all, isn’t a whole superfoods diet like this the type we should be eating anyway?

For RAW-some recipes on how to help you conquer cancer with these top superfoods, visit www.mumsoriginal.com and help prepare to say good riddens to cancer.

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