Rosemary. The two key ingredients in rosemary, caffeic acid and rosemarinic acid, are potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which help protect the body's cells from damage by free radicals. Rosemary has been found to detoxify substances that can initiate the breast-cancer process and it stimulates liver enzymes which inactivate estrogen hormones. Rosemary can inhibit the formation of HCAS, the carcinogenic compounds that form when you cook protein.
Dill contains antioxidant properties, and it also deactivates free radicals and neutralizes carcinogens that might find their way into our bodies.
Cilantro helps to remove heavy metals like Mercury from the body.
Mint has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, helps prevent damage from radiation and it cuts off the blood supply to tumors, and may protect your liver too.
Parsley has potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer abilities. The phytochemicals in parsley can slow the speed of cell division, leaving time for the cell to correct DNA mistakes or to activate apoptosis, and recent research shows that one particular compound found in parsley and celery, apigenin, can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing.
Basil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains flavonoids that help shield cell structures from radiation and oxidative damage, and may protect liver cells. Both fresh basil and basil oil have strong antibacterial capabilities, so by adding the herb or oil to your salad, you can help ensure your vegetables are safe to eat.
Oregano possesses anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties and encourages cell death making it a powerful anti-cancer herb; but what is really exciting is that may be particularly effective against prostate cancer and may even become part of the treatment for this cancer.
Thyme possesses terpenoids which are recognized for their cancer preventive properties. Rosmarinic and ursolic acids are major terpenoids in thyme that possess anti-cancer properties. Thyme contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and a strong antioxidant.
In my house we eat a lot of tabouleh. Tabouleh, tabouli, no matter how you say or spell it, is both delicious and good for you. What I love about it too is that it is versatile; for as many ways there are to spell it, there are just as many ways to make it. For this I head to the farmers market as I put A LOT of herbs in mine, far more than I can grow in my small garden. Keep in mind that ideally, the salad should be green with specks of white, but make it whatever way you prefer.
1 cup Bulgur wheat (or Quinoa, see notes below)
1 11/2 cups boiling water
1 ½ tsp salt
¼ cup lemon juice (or more)
¼ cup olive oil, plus more (I like lemon infused, but any good quality, extra virgin is fine)
Parsley, mint, dill, cilantro (several cups/bunches of these, chopped, and any combination, created to taste)
Chopped tomatoes (optional)
Chopped, seeded cucumbers (optional)
Finely chopped red onions or scallions (optional)
Chick peas (optional)
Pour boiling water over bulgur wheat and salt. Cover wheat for 30 minus and let sit on the counter. Stir in lemon juice and oil, chill for 2-3 hours. Add chopped herbs, and other ingredients of your choice and toss gently, adding more oil as desired.
I add chickpeas to make this salad a meal. You can also substitute quinoa in this recipe. For quinoa, bring 1 cup quinoa (rinsed well), ½ tsp salt and 1¼ cups water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. If you want, you can spread the quinoa out on a large rimmed platter or baking sheet; let cool. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the lemon juice and oil, then the remaining ingredients.
I love to marinate chicken, turkey, fish, zucchini and eggplant in olive oil and rosemary, and oregano and chicken are great together too. Thyme is delicious on eggs. Dill is fantastic on cucumbers, fish and zucchini. Basil, well who doesn’t like basil and fresh ripe tomatoes? Add some onion too! And don’t forget pesto; make some with basil or try cilantro (or spinach, kale, or arugula); use them on grilled foods, spread them on your sandwich. Fighting cancer never tasted so good…oh, do I love summer.
Want to see more cancer-fighting foods and the recipes? Please visit:
To see Tami’s post on this: http://www.tamiboehmer.com/2012/07/beating-cancer-can-be-delicious-2/
Elyn
Twitter@elynjacobs
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Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. To learn about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit: http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com. To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (EST). To view info on upcoming topics and guests, please visit: http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/elyns-blog/.
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The goal of treatment will vary depending on the characteristics of each person's cancer. The treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. The lack of consensus regarding the best treatment of liver cancer has contributed to the pessimistic attitude that many have regarding its treatment. alternative cancer centers uses aggressive treatment strategies like natural medications with herbal supplements can cure or significantly prolong the life of many people with cancer.
ReplyDeleteNorman, did you have treatment there or do you work there? "uses aggressive treatment strategies like natural medications with herbal supplements can cure or significantly prolong the life of many people with cancer." fantastic!
DeleteThanks, Elyn