FIVE Ways in which Phytonutrients Protect us against Cancer

We all know that vegetables are good for us.  It’s been drummed into us from a young age to “eat our veggies” or “eat our greens”. Even a child would not argue against this.

But what is it about vegetables that makes them so great? What do vegetables have that makes them work against cancer, and how can we use this to our advantage?

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants, generally to help protect them against destruction by fungi, bacteria and plant virus infections. Plants have survival instincts too!

A number of epidemiological observations have shown a lower cancer incidence in those that eat a diet higher in plant-based foods (rich in phytochemicals).  Some of these phytochemicals include: curcumin (turmeric), epigallocatechin gallate (green tea), resveratrol (grapes) and sulforaphane (cruciferous vegetables).

FIVE ways in which phytochemicals exert their anti-cancer effects are:

1. Protecting cells and DNA from damage from carcinogens that we ingest (or that are in our environment) through their anti-oxidant properties
2. Reducing inflammation which may increase the risk of some cancers within the body
3. Slowing the rate of growth of some cancer cells
4. Decreasing production of cancer-related hormones
5. Strengthening the immune system

There’s no specific recommendation from the medical community when it comes to phytochemicals. But the American Cancer Society does recommend eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits – preferably 5-9 servings a day!

I’ve taken all my research on diet, environment, lifestyle and mind-body and put it into a very comprehensive program which will help you create your own cancer recovery plan. If you want to take your recovery from cancer to the next level, click on the image below.

Also, if you want to join a free community of people with cancer looking for holistic and integrative strategies to encourage cancer recovery CLICK THIS LINK to join the Holistic Strategies for Cancer Recovery Facebook group to help support your journey and connect you with like-minded people. 

 

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