David Samadi, MD - Blog | Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer & Generic Health Articles by Dr. David Samadi - SamadiMD.com|

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Juices and Smoothies to Help Fight Cancer

An estimated 70% of known causes of cancer are lifestyle related and avoidable. That's a pretty staggering number. The truth is if you lead a healthy lifestyle, the odds of you getting cancer are very low. Now, we've talked about other risk factors for many types of cancers including family history which is obviously unavoidable but it's important to keep prevention at the forefront, especially when it comes to cancer. 

Juicing and healthy smoothies can be a great way to get many of the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed to fight inflammation which is one of the main proponents of cancer. The following ingredients should be the main components if you're juicing or making smoothies.

1. Dark leafy greens: They're packed with phytonutrients, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A rich source in calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium. Phytonutrients neutralize free radicals and omega-3 fatty acids help stave off inflammation. Try kale which has repeatedly been shown in studies to preventing cancer. 

2. Berries: Think strawberries. A study released from Ohio State University showed that freeze-dried strawberries slowed the growth of precancerous lesions in about 30 people who consumed the fruit for about 6 months. All berries help fight inflammation because they're rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants found in raspberries, blueberries, blackberries help neutralize free radicals. 

3. Lycopene: The antioxidant in tomatoes called lycopene helps decrease the risk of the development of certain cancers like prostate, stomach and lung, as previous studies have shown. It helps lower inflammation throughout the body/. Other foods rich in lycopene are watermelon, papaya, pink grapefruit and apricots.

4. Beets: Another veggie packed with antioxidants help neutralize free radicals. They also have an amazing detoxification property. they increase oxygen in the blood and help eliminate waste products. They also seem to have an antitumor effect through a high-iron content which helps regenerate red blood cells, supplying cancer cells with more oxygen.

5. Lemons: Lemon lovers rejoice. They're packed with vitamin C and can reduce risks of developing cancer and also decrease inflammation throughout the body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that decreases inflammation. Vitamin C enhances the immune system and has been shown to prevent tumor development. Try using the zest of the lemon in your smoothies, juices and even in cooking. It contains many health benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, helps with digestion and regulates blood pressure.

6. Ginger: The ginger root can kill cancerous cells in two ways. The first is through apoptosis where cancer cells destroy themselves and the second is autophagy when the cancerous cells eat themselves, ultimately destroying them. It's especially been shown to help fight ovarian cancer as a study from University of Michigan showed.

7. Coconut: Many studies have found that coconut kills cancer cells. It's also been shown to treat candida which many believe creates a foundation for cancer cells to grow. 

8. Chia Seeds: We just talked about chia seeds becoming more popular globally, as a great source of fiber and other important nutrients. They're considered lignans which may help to prevent cancer and the omega-3 fatty acides are known cancer protective compounds.

Other daily habits that may prevent cancer:

  1. Filter your tap water to reduce your risk of exposure to known carcinogens
  2. Avoid Well-Done Meat: Marinate meat first. Processed, charred and well-done meats can contain cancer-causing heterocyclic amines. 
  3. Drink coffee: Many studies have shown that the chlorogenic acid in coffee helps fight inflammation linked to cancer development. 3-4 cups per day is great and decaf works too.