The colon is an essential part of a healthy digestive system. It is the largest part of the large intestine. The purpose of the colon is process waste from the food you eat, turn it into feces, and send it out of your body. According to the American Cancer Society: “Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.”
It is important to keep the colon clean and healthy to prevent constipation, colon diseases, and colon cancer.
A big part of maintaining a healthy colon is the proper diet.
Here are some of the top colon cancer fighting foods that may help in keeping a healthy colon:
Basil: It is a powerful food. It contains a potent phytochemical called quercitin, which has shown to prevent the growth of cancer cells. One particular study from Hebei Medical University in China confirmed the ability of quercitin to inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.
Garlic: It is a good bulb to include in your diet because of key phytochemicals such as allicin. Phytochemicals help with inflammation and removes toxins in the colon that may be responsible for cancer development. Garlic is also high in fiber, and a study from Harvard School of Public Health linked high fiber diets with a lower risk of colon cancer. Garlic is a good source of calcium and fiber. These two components help remove bile from the body. Bile can cause damage to the colon cells and may even cause colon cancer.
Ginger: It contains compounds called gingerols, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Inflammation is often linked to many types of cancers, including colon cancer, and ginger helps combat inflammation.
A study at the University of Minnesota showed that gingerols play a crucial role in preventing the development of colorectal cancer. More research needs to be done to confirm this benefit, but the results look promising.
Onions:
Like garlic, onions also contain key phytochemicals including allicin. As stated about garlic phytochemicals help with inflammation and removes toxins in the colon that may be responsible for cancer development. Onions are an important part for an anti-colon cancer diet.
Oregano:
Like basil, oregano is an excellent source of the phytochemical quercitin. As stated previously, quercitin has shown the ability to prevent the growth of colon cancer cells.
Parsley: This herb is also a great source quercitin. In addition to quercitin, parsley is an excellent source of fiber, which is key to a strong, healthy colon.
Rosemary: It is packed with a compound called carnosol, which is believed to help prevent many types of cancers, including colon cancer. Carnosol inhibits the activity of the COX-2 gene, which plays an important role in cancer development. According the American Institute of Cancer Research, “Many scientists think that inhibiting COX-2 could help protect against colon, breast and other cancers, as well as diseases like arthritis.”
Turmeric: This spice contains compounds called ciruminoids which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid fight common cancers including colon cancer.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Quercetin Inhibit Human SW480 Colon Cancer Growth.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 12 Aug. 2013.
2. “Dietary Fiber Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 12 Aug. 2013.
3. “Carnosol: A Promising Anti-cancer and Anti-inflammatory Agent.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 12 Aug. 2013.
4. “American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).” American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Aug. 2013.
