Did you know?
According to the American Cancer Society, “About 1,660,290 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2013, and in 2013 about 580,350 Americans are projected to die of cancer, almost 1,600 people a day.”
This is alarming to say the least.
In the United States, cancer is the second most common cause of death, just behind heart disease.
Take charge of your body and control what you eat. Eating the right organic foods and spices may reduce your risk of cancer.
Let’s take a look at the top 7 spices to reduce your cancer risk:
This sweet and heavenly spice is packed with antioxidants, which protect from the effects of oxidative stress. It is also a natural food preservative and is good source of iron and calcium. It helps in reducing tumour growth.
Dr. Andrew Weil explains, “Oxidative stress is the total burden placed on organisms by the constant production of free radicals in the normal course of metabolism plus whatever other pressures the environment brings to bear (natural and artificial radiation, toxins in air, food and water; and miscellaneous sources of oxidizing activity, such as tobacco smoke).”
The effects of oxidative stress are often linked to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and many types of cancers.
Tip: Add a dash of organic cinnamon to your coffee, tea, smoothies, or soups.
It is a potent medicinal spice from India that has shown powerful anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects.
Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for serious diseases including cancer, and organic cumin helps reduce this inflammation. The active ingredient in cumin is thymoquinone (TQ) that checks proliferation of cells responsible for prostate cancer.
A 2006 study published in The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology showed that thymoquinone is responsible for the anti-cancer properties of cumin.
Tip: Make a cumin tea. Add 1 tsp of cumin seeds to your favorite organic tea, let it steep for 15 minutes, then strain them and enjoy.
It is a potent spice, often described as having a licorice type taste. Fennel is a great source of antioxidants such as vitamin C and manganese. It contains a compound called anethole, which was shown in a Phytomedicine study to induce cell death in breast cancer cells.
Tip: Try adding 1/4 tsp of organic fennel seeds to flavor fish or vegetables dishes.
It is a soothing, aromatic organic spice that is used in drinks like chai tea and of course, ginger ale. Ginger is full of potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain its cancer-fighting benefits.
The cancer preventative properties of organic ginger were published in a journal called Food and Chemical Toxicology.
Tip: Add about the equivalent of 1-inch fresh organic ginger to your favorite smoothies or juices. It also makes a great addition to tea.
It is a warm, aromatic spice that is part of the mint family. It has a taste similar to thyme and is often used in Italian cuisine.
Oregano contains a compound called carvacrol, which a study published in the journal Phytomedicine shows may help treat breast cancer.
Oregano also contains ‘Quercetin’ which helps against the growth of malignant cells in the body.
Tip: Sprinkle some organic oregano into your soups and dishes. You can also take oregano supplements from a reputable source.
It is an organic spice that has long been used in Eastern cuisine and also in medicine. Saffron contains a carotenoid called crocetin.
According to a study published by Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, crocetin inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and tumors.
Tip: Add a tiny sprig of organic saffron to your favorite quinoa dish recipe and soups.
It is truly a superstar spice. Organic turmeric is called the “Indian solid gold” because of its many health benefits.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for cancer. A study conducted by the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center (VCU) found that organic turmeric, when combined with the anti-nausea drug thalidomide was able to kill multiple myeloma cells.
Curcumin promotes ‘Apoptosis’ (programmed cell death) that safely eliminates cancer cells.
Tip: Add 1/4 tsp of organic turmeric to your favorite tea, smoothies or juices. You can also sprinkle some on your fish or favorite pasta dish. Add a little olive or coconut oil to enhance its absorption.
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.
New study shows turmeric kills multiple myeloma cells.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Crocetin Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation and Tumor Progression in a Xenograft Mouse Model.” Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. American Association for Cancer Research, 10 Feb. 2009. Web. 23 June 2014.
2. “Biomedical Properties of Saffron and Its Potential Use in Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention Trials.” Science Direct. Cancer Detection and Prevention, 2004. Web. 23 June 2014.
3. “Cancer Preventive Properties of Ginger: A Brief Review.” Science Direct. Food and Chemical Toxicology, May 2007. Web. 23 June 2014.
4. “Thymoquinone: A Promising Anti-cancer Drug from Natural Sources.” Science Direct. The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 2006. Web. 23 June 2014.
5. “Anti-proliferative Effects of Carvacrol on a Human Metastatic Breast Cancer Cell Line, MDA-MB 231.” Science Direct. Phytomedicine, July 2010. Web. 23 June 2014.
6. “Anti-proliferative Effects of Carvacrol on Human Prostate Cancer Cell Line, LNCaP.” The FASEB Journal. Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Apr. 2012. Web. 23 June 2014.
7. “Effects of Carvacrol on a Human Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Cell Line, A549.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Cytotechnology, 10 Feb. 2004. Web. 23 June 2014.
8. “Aqueous Cinnamon Extract (ACE-c) from the Bark of Cinnamomum Cassia Causes Apoptosis in Human Cervical Cancer Cell Line (SiHa) through Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential.” BMC Cancer. BioMed Central, 18 May 2010. Web. 23 June 2014.
9. “Anethole Suppressed Cell Survival and Induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells Independent of Estrogen Receptor Status.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Phytomedicine, 15 June 2012. Web. 23 June 2014.
10. “Anethole Blocks Both Early and Late Cellular Responses Transduced by Tumor Necrosis Factor: Effect on NF-kappaB, AP-1, JNK, MAPKK and Apoptosis.” Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 08 June 2000. Web. 23 June 2014.
