Can certain “superfoods” cure or prevent cancer? The answer is yes, no, maybe! Here’s what the cancer experts say.
What causes cancer?
Most cancers (95%) are caused by the natural results of aging and lifetime exposure to environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke (30% of all cancers), viruses (20%), dangerous chemicals (15%), obesity (15%), alcohol abuse (5%), sun exposure (5%) and genetics (10%).
Can certain “superfoods” prevent or cure cancer?
There is quite a debate going on about this issue. Cancer experts agree that some studies support the claims that many natural substances such as essential fatty acids (omegas), phytochemicals and micronutrients may help reduce the risk for cancers and may even inhibit tumour growth.
On the other hand, scientific evidence also points out that, for example, too much omega-6 relative to omega-3 in human tissue could increase the risk for heart disease, cancer and inflammatory diseases.
However, recently some evidence emerged that graviola food extract (GFE), certain types of molecules found in lemons (limonin) and mangosteen extract may act as cancer preventive agents. Although these food findings are promising, cancer experts class them as complementary to existing conventional therapies (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) and primarily of use to help cancer sufferers feel better and cope better with their cancer treatment.
Other debunked cancer-and-food myths
- Myth 1: “Acidic” diets cause cancer
There’s no evidence to prove that diet can manipulate whole body pH and although the immediate environment around cancer cells can become acidic, it is due to differences in the way that tumours create energy and use oxygen. - Myth 2: Eating sugar feeds cancer cells
Dr Otto Warburg discovered that glucose or sugar is really the primary fuel substrate for cancer cells and subsequently received a Nobel Prize for this discovery in the 1930s. However, to date, cancer experts have been adamant in claiming that although cancer cells do consume more sugar (glucose) than normal cells, no scientific proof exists that eating sugar or using artificial sweeteners (except maybe cyclamate) will make your cancer worse. - Myth 3: There is no cancer risk in eating lots of grilled and well-done meat
The eating of open flame grilled or pan-fried meats can increase a person’s risk for cancer through the harmful chemicals formed during these processes. Experts recommend limiting the amount of grilled meat in one’s diet or rather pre-cooking or marinating the meat to reduce grilling time. - Myth 4: Drinking fluoridated water causes cancer
This issue has been debated and studied for many years without conclusive proof that fluoridated drinking water increases the risk of cancer.
Making the right choices
While the experts debate the “superfood”−cancer issue, the bottom line seems to be that a robust immune system is very important for preventing and beating cancer. In fact, a body of research suggests that an overall healthy diet filled with colourful fruits such as blueberries, cranberries, strawberries and black raspberries (extracts) and vegetables such as garlic, broccoli, cooked tomatoes and carrots, spinach, legumes (dry beans, peas and lentils) as well as nuts (walnuts) and seeds, to name a few, is the key to boosting your immune system.
Sources
Barrie, L. Six cancer-fighting superfoods. Retrieved from: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20430736_6,00.html
Get the truth about cancer: World Cancer Day (4 Feb). Retrieved from: http://www.cansa.org.za/get-the-truth-about-cancer-world-cancer-day-4-feb/
Know the facts re cancer myths. Retrieved from: http://www.cansa.org.za/know-the-facts-re-cancer-myths/
Why medicine won’t allow cancer to be cured. 2013. Retrieved from: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/08/03/natural-cancer-treatment.aspx
