When dealing with cancer, healthcare experts often recommend a combination of treatment options—therapies, prescriptions, and surgery. Certain lifestyle changes can aid treatment and recovery. This includes eating healthy foods like broccoli, berries, and tomatoes to manage the effects of the disease and strengthen the immune system to cope with the side effects of treatments. In addition to making better food choices, one can consider the following herbs and spices to help manage and even prevent cancer.
Turmeric
The spice has traditionally been used to manage various health conditions, including cancer. Turmeric can help fight diseases through its anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. This natural substance plays a significant role in repairing damage in the body. Curcumin can also help treatment options eliminate cancerous cells, reduce the spread of cancer, and prevent the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
Ginger
There are several ways to add ginger to meals, including having it raw, crushing it, or adding ginger powder while cooking. Its anti-cancer properties are attributed to gingerol, which is found in large concentrations in raw ginger. One of its variations, 6-gingerol, is considered highly effective in fighting diseases like colorectal cancer. One could drink ginger tea, which could have similar benefits in managing conditions like cancer.
Cayenne peppers
Cayenne peppers are rich in a compound called capsaicin that gives food a spicy flavor. The compound is also said to offer health benefits, including slowing cancer cell growth, which aids cancer treatments. Cayenne peppers may also help eliminate cancerous cells, including those which develop in the skin, pancreas, and prostate.
Saffron
Another cancer-fighting spice one should consider adding to food and beverages is saffron. The spice has thread-like structures derived from the Crocus sativus flower. It contains a high dose of antioxidants that help negate the harmful effects of free radicals, which are associated with diseases like cancer. Saffron may help target and kill cancerous developments in the colon or reduce their growth while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The health benefits of saffron may also be observed in other regions of the body, including the skin, prostate, lung, breast, and bone marrow.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a common herb that can help prevent the development of cancer. Derived from the rosemary plant, it contains carnosol, a phytochemical, which may help slow cancer cell growth and regulate the production of cancer-related hormones. Further, carnosol may help improve immune function to help one better manage the side effects of various treatments like chemotherapy. One could add the herb to a variety of recipes, such as roasted potatoes and chicken, to enjoy its sweet, piney flavor.
Oregano
Oregano not only adds flavor to foods, but it is also one of the richest sources of cancer-slowing antioxidants. Just like thyme, the compounds in the herb assist in slowing the growth of cancer. The herb may also help target and eliminate harmful cells that trigger mutations in the body. Further, when meat is cooked at high temperatures, it produces heterocyclic amines (HCAs)—carcinogens or substances that can cause cancer. But one can lower the HCA levels by adding oregano to the marinade.