To start, learn about the types of Phytochemicals and Carotenoids, two of the most powerful cancer-fighting substances. These compounds are found in many foods, including vegetables, full grown fast growing cannabis seeds, fruits, and nuts. Flaxseed and Soybeans are also considered potent cancer-fighting agents. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re an excellent choice to grow at home.
Phytochemicals
Several phytochemicals in cancer fighting plants are shown to have a variety of beneficial effects, including preventing or postponing certain stages of cancer development. These chemicals may also suppress oxidative stress, which is the cause of free radicals that damage DNA and promote cancer. Several groups of phytochemicals have been identified as active in preventing or postponing cancer, including phenolic, carotenoid, organosulfur, and nitrogen-containing compounds.
Carotenoids
Research indicates that carotenoids are effective in reducing cancer risk. They inhibit cell signaling and communication, and are an important part of antioxidant defense. Our bodies produce reactive oxygen species, or ROS, through normal metabolic processes and environmental exposure. An excessive amount of cellular ROS promotes cancer by causing DNA damage and inflammation. Antioxidants work by inactivating ROS and preventing their harmful effects.
Flaxseed
Did you know that flaxseed has powerful anticancer properties? It contains lignans, which are a class of phytoestrogens. In fact, flaxseed has more of them than any other plant. This makes it an absolute superstar seed when it comes to health benefits. It is a fantastic source of fiber, although chia seeds are also a great choice. In addition, flaxseed contains the main source of omega-3s, unlike fish, which is a better source of these.
Soybeans
Soybeans, a popular food, are also known to have cancer-fighting benefits. Soya is a plant from Asia that produces beans used in many different types of food. This plant contains phytoestrogens, or estrogen-like substances, known as isoflavones. Studies suggest that soy products may help prevent various types of cancer, reduce the risk of heart disease, and reduce the symptoms of hot flashes during menopause. In addition to being beneficial for our health, soya consumption can reduce cholesterol levels and protect us from heart disease.
Fish
The super-antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes is associated with protection against lung cancer and prostate cancer. Cooking tomatoes releases lycopene and makes it available to the body. Moreover, olive oil, commonly used in salads and cooking, may also be a cancer-fighting food. In fact, breast cancer rates are 50 percent lower in Mediterranean countries than in the United States.
Olive oil
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered that the compound oleocanthal in extra virgin olive oil is an effective way to fight cancer cells. The compound kills cancer cells by breaking their vesicles and releasing enzymes that cause cell death. However, they did not discover what exactly causes this effect. In the long run, this could mean that olive oil is a valuable cancer fighter.
Cruciferous vegetables
In rodent studies, cruciferous vegetables have been shown to inhibit the growth of polyps, which are precursors of colon cancer. This is believed to be due to a compound called sulforaphane, which is metabolized into DIM and indole-3-carbinol. Although these vegetables have not yet been proven to prevent cancer in humans, they have been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in women.
Green tea
One of the many reasons to grow your own green tea is to reap the many benefits of drinking it. Its high content of antioxidants, glucosinolates, and flavonoids can help protect cells from damage and inhibit tumor cell growth, while improving immune function. If you don’t want to grow your own green tea, try buying greens powder. Green powders contain leafy greens, seaweed, and herbs. They contain high amounts of vitamin C and iodine, while also improving iron and immune function.