Garlic – Garlic belongs to the family of vegetables called Allium, which includes onions, scallions, leeks and chives. Laboratory research has shown that one garlic component, called diallyl disulfide, exerts potent preventive effects against cancers of the skin, colon and lung. Recently, this compound proved able to kill leukemia cells in the laboratory. A compound derived from garlic called ajoene has displayed similar activity. Garlic protects against stomach cancer and decreases one’s chances of developing colorectal cancer. The higher the exposure to the food = the greatest decrease in risk. In laboratory studies, components of garlic have shown the ability to slow or stop the growth of tumors in prostate, bladder, colon and stomach tissue.
Peanuts, Grapes, & Mulberry Fruit – They all contain resveratrol, a type of natural phytochemical that belongs to a much larger group of phytochemicals called polyphenols. Laboratory research points to resveratrol’s ability to slow the growth of cancer cells and inhibit the formation of tumors in lymph, liver, stomach and breast cells. Resveratrol has also triggered the death of leukemic and colon cancer tumors. In one series of studies, resveratrol blocked the development of skin, breast and leukemia cancers at all three stages of the disease (initiation, promotion and progression).
Tomatoes – Their red hue comes chiefly from a phytochemical called lycopene. Reasearch has found substantial and convincing evidence that foods containing lycopene probably protect against prostate cancer. Consumption of tomato compounds has been linked to large decreases in prostate cancer risk. Moreover, there is evidence that this cancer-fighting potential is increased if tomatoes are consumed in a processed form that allows these natural compounds to be released and more easily absorbed, such as tomato sauce, tomato paste or tomato juice. In the laboratory, tomato components have stopped the proliferation of several other cancer cells types, including breast, lung, and endometrial.
Ginger – Ginger causes cancer cell apoptosis(apoptosis is when cancer cells “commit suicide”). The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger prevent precancerous tumors from creating the perfect breeding ground and climate for growth. Ginger also causes autophagy, meaning that ginger tricks the cancerous cells into eating themselves. Researchers have found that ginger exhibited a highly prized anti-cancer trait known as selective cytotoxicity: it inhibited the reproduction of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unaffected. No conventional cancer treatment on the market exhibits this property.
Citrus Fruits – Citric acid and flavonoids in citrus fruits contributes to their antioxidant & anti-cancer properties. Citrus fruit consumption increases your protection from oral cancer, and cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tract. A 2010 study showed that citric acid alone does not protect against cancer – it works best when the fruit is consumed because the flavonoid/citric acid combination is what works and protects against cancers. Limes & lemons have the highest concentration of citric acid – as much as 8% of their dry weight. Citrus foods: limes, lemons, grapefruit, oranges, berries, pineapples, tamarind, tomatoes, & cherries. Please note: If you are taking medication, please consult your doctor before increasing your citric acid consumption – it can interfere with absorption and effectiveness. Also, consuming too much citric acid can have some side effects such as PH balance disturbance, diarrhea, nausea, etc.