Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of this disease in the United States. The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, but exposure to asbestos or air pollution can also bring on this disease. In other people, the lung cancer is idiopathic, meaning there is no definite cause for why it has developed.
The good news is, however, the diet and nutrition can play an important role in treating lung cancer as it does with many other forms of this disease. There are, in fact, specific foods which are great for people combating this condition and seven of the best are discussed below.
Blueberries
Blueberries are probably one of the best foods to help treat lung cancer. This is partly because, even when judged against similar fruits like cranberries, strawberries and cherries, blueberries are rated for the highest level of antioxidant activity; antioxidants have a proven track record for their cancer-fighting properties.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are not just valued for their wonderful taste and texture, but also for their anti-cancer properties. This is largely due to the fact that shiitakes are packed with selenium, actually providing about half the recommended dosage in just one serving. They are also a rich source of beta-glucans, which help eliminate cancer cells by stimulating the immune system into activity.
Turmeric
Turmeric is not only essential for curries and other Indian dishes, it is probably one of the most studied spices on earth for its effects on cancer and other chronic diseases. It is believed the turmeric makes such a great cancer treatment due to its curcumin, the active ingredient shown in the lab to stimulate the death of cancer cells, a process known as apotosis.
Watercress
This spicy, leafy green vegetable is another wonderful food for lung cancer patients due to the fact that it contains a bioactive chemical called PEITC, which is released when watercress is chopped and which has been shown to have beneficial effects on tobacco-induced lung cancer. It is also high in Vitamin C, which helps to promote a strong immune system.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are another great choice for lung cancer patients because they are one of the richest natural sources of lycopene, a potent antioxidant. However, it is important to be aware of that fact that tomato products such as paste or sauce are actually higher in levels of bioavailable lycopene than fresh, raw tomatoes.
Arugula
Arugula is an incredibly healthy leafy green vegetable whose bioactive compounds have been shown to be able to help prevent and treat cancer. It is a particularly good source of glucosinolates, which once in the body are able to neutralize cancerous cells and prevent the spread or growth of those cells, a process known as metastasis.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables which also includes veggies like cabbage and cauliflower. Like all crucifers, it is rich in sulforaphane, a compound which has been able to inhibit the development of lung cancer in laboratory animals by increasing the rate of apotosis, or death, of cancer cells.
Consuming any combination of these foods on a regular basis is a great way to both prevent and treat lung cancer naturally.
Sources:- healwithfood.org, lifescript.com, readersdigest.ca
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