
By Makeisha Lee
Prostate
cancer, colorectal cancer and breast cancer are running rampant in the
Black community. People are so scared these days, removing body parts
seems to be the solution to beating and/or avoiding the disease. What is
the truth about cancer?
First, all forms of Cancer are on the rise due to increased
stress/strain induced lifestyles we lead, and unhealthy eating habits.
This is a fact based on the latest study conducted by the National
Academy of Naturopathy.
Secondly, our body is comprised of trillions of cells that are in a
constant state of rejuvenation or cell mutation. Depending what you are
either giving your body by way of unhealthy, harmful eating habits, or
not giving your body nutritionally will determine you’re predisposition
to cancer - not genetics.
Given this, cancer can strike at will on whomever, whenever the cells
are being starved from oxygen, nutrition and clogged with toxins. When
ever this type of mal-absorption of sufficient nutrients exists, the
immune response is severely compromised, thus giving disease a V.I.P
pass within our bodies. So how can we regain control over our inner
terrain?
Here are 5 anti-cancer foods that offer 3 dimensional properties against
cancer - preventative, curative and health promotion:
1) Organic Cabbage - According to Dr. Murthy of the National Academy of
Naturopathy, “Cabbage speeds up metabolism of estrogen and is useful in
colon cancer. Carrot juice acts as an antidote to lung cancer.”
2) Beet Juice - This is rich in sodium, potassium, prosperous, calcium,
sulphur, vitamins B1, B2, B6 niacin which is known to have cancer curing
powers.
3) Organic Juices in the Citrus Family - These include lemon, orange and
grapefruit. Spinach, lettuce and broccoli juice act as antioxidants.
4) Daily Fruits, Vegetables and Protein - On a daily basis, no less than
100-150 grams of organic fruits, 100 grams of raw leafy vegetables, 1
fruit or 175-ml. of fruit or vegetable fruit juice should be consumed as
the ideal nutritious meal. A clean source of protein is essential for
healthy cell function. The first preference for protein source should be
raw and meatless.
5) Wheat Grass Juice - This repairs damaged cells and a cancer patient
should be advised to eat fiber rich foods like bran, oats, barley, along
with Spirulina to boost nutritional value.
These are 5 of many healthy additions to implement into your everyday
lifestyle of preventative actions. Of course, healthy lifestyle changes
go a long way in reducing your risk and if already diagnosed with
cancer; increasing your overall quality of life and life expectancy.
Other external factors should be guarded against such as exposure to
carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances and toxins. We should become
well informed of all possible culprits.
While conventional methods of cancer treatments are preferred by some,
there are many safe, natural alternatives readily available. These
methods are in most cases much more effective, as they offer a fresh
approach of drugless options. Unlike conventional treatments that
destroy healthy tissue and cells, with a holistic approach, there is a
heavy emphasis of reviving cellular function with enzymes, nutrients and
detoxification.
It
is interesting how important the bean is in our food chain, and I don’t
mean jellybeans! For good nutrition and survival, man has had to lean on
the bean. The bean is so important that even in biblical history, Esau
gave up his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentils when he was
starving,(Genesis 25:30-34. In the Book of Daniel, Daniel, a Jewish
youth, defied the king of Babylon when he refused to eat the food from
the king’s table, but only wanted to eat vegetables, beans and water.
The diet proved to be so successful, that Daniel became an important
person in the kings court,(Daniel 1:9-13).
In the book, Diet For A Small Plant, the author, Frances Moore Lappe,
relates that at least 2/3’s of beans that are produced are sent
throughout the world to feed livestock for the production of meat. Most
of this meat winds up on our tables, hamburger joints and steakhouses. I
recall, even in the Mother Goose nursery rhymes, the rhyme entitled Jack
Spratt, states, “Jack Sprat...Could eat no fat...His wife could eat no
lean ...And so, Betwixt them both, They licked the platter clean. I’m
sure that Jack Sprat did not have any meat on his tray, only a handful
of vegetables and beans.
Beans are more than a musical fruit, the more you eat, the more you
toot! Yes, they are gassy, but you know how you can take care of that.
You can add Beano to your diet which is capable of removing excess bean
sugar. You can also soak beans overnight in water before cooking. Beans
have great healing power, they are loaded with fiber, vitamins,
minerals, potassium, iron, B vitamins and folate. Other advantages of
eating beans are the lowering of cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar,
preventing heart disease and reducing breast and prostate cancers.
Beans are known as the healthy man’s meat. There are a host of bean
varieties that can be eaten hot, cold or uncooked, such as, butter
beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, lima beans, navy beans,
pinto beans and black beans. Just search you supermarket shelves which
are filled with exotic beans from all over the world and try new
recipes.
I would suggest strongly, that if you do not wish to be a “has bean,”
load up your plate with more beans than meat which will give you the
same amount of protein and other nutrients which will ensure a healthier
and leaner.