Herbs to Add to Your Repertoire For Cancer Prevention

Herbs and spices have been long used to help combat disease. Ancient cultures have used them for thousands of years to help treat and heal different aliments. There are many herbs that are particularly beneficial when it comes to cancer fighting qualities and here are just a few. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that is derived from the curcuma longa plant. This plant is largely found in India and is used in dishes throughout the country such as curry. Turmeric has been noted to boast 10 different destructive pathways for cancer. This spice blocks inflammation by preventing certain cell chemicals from signaling their inflammatory army. Inflammation is a breeding ground for cancer, because it can cause dangerous cell mutations. Also it prevents uncontrolled proliferation of tumor tissue. Turmeric is able to enhance and promote apoptosis of cancerous cells, which is a protective action our body preforms to control unhealthy cells from reproducing and causing disease. Another important trait of this orange stuff is that it cuts off the food supply to cancerous tumors. What this means is that it prevents the formation of blood vessels that supply the tumor with the nutrients it needs in order to grow.

Garlic

Garlic comes from the allium family, which includes foods such as onions and scallions. Researchers believe that garlic’s anti-cancer properties come from its production of hydrogen-sulfide. Studies have shown that societies that have increased intake of garlic and its cousins have reduced risk of certain cancers. Some studies show as much as a 60% reduced risk. Garlic helps to protect cells from oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals. As well as promote induced programed cell death in those cells that are damaged.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is that really hot stuff, so if you can handle it… you go girl! If you can’t, it’s worth trying to get used to. Cayenne pepper’s metabolite capsaicin gives the herb its power. Capsaicin is also found in other hot peppers as well. Cayenne helps to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Can you see this is a popular theme here? Studies on prostate, lung, and pancreatic cancers among others boast great results when it comes to cancer cell suicide.

Ginger

Ginger is a relative of turmeric. And being that turmeric has 10 different mechanisms to destroy cancer, ginger has to have some good qualities for us. Ginger root extract is a powerful anti-oxidant, which helps prevent cells from DNA damage. It also helps to reduce inflammation. In mice whole ginger root was shown to shrink cancerous prostate tumors by 54%. Now tell me that’s not impressive. It’s important to note that the whole ginger root seems to have the most potent effects. I use it in practically every veggie juice I make along with incorporating it in tea.

All 4 of these spices can add powerful benefits to your health, not just cancer fighting benefits. It’s worth adding them to any healthy diet. But don’t look for these herb and spices to be in a cancer drug near you. There’s no way the pharmaceutical companies are going to let that go down. Which is actually better, it makes it more affordable for us!