June 15 2013
Spices and Herbs can cure most diseases and we are sure off it... If you have any issues with this article contact us or blog here
Not
every battle is struck by a wave of violence and not every fight culminates in
bloodshed.
When
the opposition in question isan adamant diseaselike cancer, our armoury should be packed
with a lifestyle of regular health check-ups and a diet including foods that
double as anti-cancer agents.
When
actressLisa Raywas diagnosed withmultiple myeloma,
a relatively rare cancer ofthe bone marrow,
all she said was, "I'll beat cancer". Carrying this spirit of defeating a
disease often labelled 'incurable', we try to find out diet methods, especially
in the selection of spices that can avert the multiplying of malignant cells in
the body that gradually mature into insurmountable cancer cells.
Our
grandmothers would in no time prepare us a glass of warm milk withsaffronsprinkled on top when we went crying to her
with bruise on our knee or wound on the elbow. The herbal turmeric paste soothed
minor cuts and healedall skin rashes.
These age-old kitchen tricks are little more than mere quick-fix tactics. Spices
like turmeric and saffron are inherent with medicinal properties that, when
incorporated to our diet from an early stage strengthens our bodies against
invasion of toxins, bacteria and virus.
Senior
consultant surgical oncologist Dr. B. Niranjan Naik and seniorclinical nutritionist,
Fortis La Femme, Shipra Saklani Mishra, inform us about thegoodnessof Indian spices with cancer-fighting
properties and the necessity of their inclusion to our eating habits.
Turmeric/Curcumin:This
is the king of spices when it comes to dealing with cancer diseases, besides it
adding a zesty colour to our food on the platter. Turmeric contains the powerful
polyphenol Curcumin that has been clinically proven to retard the growth of
cancer cells causing prostrate cancer, melanoma,breast
cancer,
brain tumour, pancreatic cancer and leukemia amongst a host of others. Curcumin
promotes 'Apoptosis'- (programmed cell death/cell suicide) that safely
eliminates cancer breeding cells without posing a threat to the development of
other healthy cells. In cases of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the
surrounding cells too become a target in addition to the cancer cells.
Therefore, the side-effects are imminent.
Fennel:
Armed with phyto-nutrients and antioxidants, cancer cells have nothing but to
accept defeat when the spice is fennel. 'Anethole', a major constituent of
fennel resists and restricts the adhesive and invasive activities of cancer
cells. It suppresses the enzymatic regulated activities behind cancer cell
multiplication. A tomato-fennel soup with garlic or fresh salads with fennel
bulbs make for an ideal entree prior to an elaborate course meal. Roasted fennel
with parmesan can be another star pick.
Saffron:A
natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid called 'Crocetin' is the primary
cancer-fighting element that saffron contains. It not only inhibits the
progression of the disease but also decreases the size of the tumour by half,
guaranteeing a complete goodbye to cancer. Though it is the most expensive spice
in the world for it is derived from around 250,000 flower stigmas (saffron
crocus) that make just about half a kilo, a few saffron threads come loaded with
benefits you won't regret paying for. Saffron threads can be used in various
ways:
Cumin:Yes,
it aids digestion and probably that is why we like chewing a handful of cumin
seeds at the end of every meal. However, its health benefits go beyond. A
portent herb with anti-oxidant characteristics, cumin seeds contain a compound
called 'Thymoquinone' that checks proliferation of cells responsible for
prostate cancer. So, instead of loading your usual snack options with calories
and oil, add this seasoning to your bread, fried beans or sauce and make the
dish rich in flavour and high on health. You can rediscover the magic of cumin
in your regular bowl of tadka dal and rice too!
Cinnamon:It
takes not more than a half teaspoon of cinnamon powder every day to keep cancer
risk away. A natural food preservative, cinnamon is a source of iron and
calcium. Useful in reducing tumour growth, it blocks the formation of new
vessels in the human body. Some of the effective ways of including cinnamon in
your diet are:
-Start
your day with a cup of cinnamon tea (in leaf or sachet)
-Make
your breakfast meal a super healthy one; just add this wonder spice to
your
morning
oatmeal and you are going well!
-A
fruity delight comprising chopped apples, a few walnuts and your magic potion
cinnamon
-Honey
and cinnamon in your glass of milk before going to bed; no cancer nightmares
assured!
Oregano:
More than a pizza or pasta topping,oreganoconfirms its worth as a potential agent
against prostate cancer. Consisting of anti-microbial compounds, just one
teaspoon of oregano has the power of two cups of red grapes! Phyto-chemical
'Quercetin' present in oregano restricts growth of malignant cells in the body
and acts like a drug against cancer-centric diseases.
Cayenne
Pepper/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers):A
promising spice with anti-cancer properties, an overdose of chilli peppers
however should be restrained. Capsaicin induces the process of apoptosis that
destroys potential cancer cells and reduces the size of leukemia tumour cells
considerably. It can be concluded that apart from setting our tongues on fire,
chilli peppers can scare cancer pathogens off too.
Ginger:
This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol,
boost metabolism and kill cancer cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish
preparations and salads,gingerenhances
the flavour in cooking. Chew on fresh parsley if the odour bothers
you.
Others:
Cloves, anise, basil, garlic, caraway, fenugreek, mustard, mint leaves,
rosemary, Limonin (fresh lemon), virgin olive, vinegar and avocado are other
cancer-fighting diet components.
Dr.
K Medhi, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology informs us on other diet habits
that can keep cancer risk at bay:
1.
A plant-based diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and beans
is the best organic way to fight cancer.
2.
Add fibre: Replace white rice with brown rice in meals
3.
Substitute whole-grain bread for white bread; choose a bran muffin over a
pastry
4.
Snack on popcorn instead of potato chips.
5.
Eat fresh fruits with skin.
6.
Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation.
7.
Cook with olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil
8.
Avoid packaged or fried foods that are high in trans-fats
9.
Avoid processed salt. Celtic sea salt/Himalayan salt can be consumed
sparingly.
10.
Cancer patients: Do not load your diet with turmeric or Curcumin supplements
without doctor's consult or prescribed dosage.
Cancer
fighting salad recipe: Couscous salad with sun dried tomato
Ingredients:
Couscous
Wheat- 120 gms
Turmeric
- 1 gm
Salt/pepper
To Taste
Sun
dried tomato- 2 nos
Olives
(black/Green) - 2 nos each
Mint
leaves- 2 sprig
Lemon
juice
Ginger
dices
Bellpepperdices- 15 gm
Olive
oil- 2 Tsp
Saffron
Pickleonion- 2 nos
Lettuce
leaves
Method:
1.
Take a pan and add salt, pepper, turmeric, couscous, olive oil and saffron.
Steam the couscous for 5 minutes and chill immediately.
2.
Now add lemon juice, bell pepper, olives, sun driedtomato,
pickle onion (chopped) and dice ginger. Mix well and add mint. Mould it on top
of lettuce leaves and serve chilled.
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