Alternative Cancer Website Contributes to the Breast Cancer Awareness Efforts, Photo: Claudia Regina, Flickr

Breast Cancer Fact #1: One in Eight Women Will Get Breast Cancer in Her Lifetime

According to the latest statistics on Breast Cancer from Cancer Research UK, this type of cancer is getting more and more common among women. The risk of getting breast cancer used to be one in nine only a few years ago, but it has grown to be one in eight today. This however doesn’t mean that if you look outside the window, ten out of eighty women you will have seen will have a tumor growing in their breasts. This is not quite what this statistic tells us.

Fact of a matter is, breast cancer is a disease of old age. If you go back to those 80 women you will have seen by taking a look outside, you will be able to instantly strike all school girls out of the risk group, and you could also forget about virtually all women in their 20′s and 30′s. It is also very rare for a woman in her 40′s to develop breast cancer and as such, it is not until the woman reaches 50 years of age when invitations for mammography start coming.

The statistic which states that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life takes into consideration that said women will live until the age of 70. When it comes to the 70+ demographics, that’s when you’ll find one in eight women who presently have, or had breast cancer in the past.

Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 35 year old but she’s the exception rather than the norm. As was said before – breast cancer is a disease of old age. It’s very rare for someone this young to grow a tumor in their breasts and as any cancer expert would confirm, age is by far the most important risk factor.

To be a little more specific, below is a little chart to show the relation between the age and the breast cancer risk factors:

• Risk of Breast Cancer at the Age of 29 – 1 : 2,000
• Risk of Breast Cancer at the Age of 39 – 1 : 215
• Risk of Breast Cancer at the Age of 49 – 1 : 50
• Risk of Breast Cancer at the Age of 70 – 1 : 8

Aging is a process none of us can revert. And since chances of developing breast cancer grow with every year added to women’s lives, it is essential that the importance of regular screening after the age of 50 is not underestimated.

Breast Cancer Fact #2: Any Woman Can Take Measures to Reduce the Risk of Getting Breast Cancer

This may (and will) sound like beating of a dead horse, but it must be said over and over again – the risk of getting cancer (any cancer, not just breast cancer) can be greatly reduced by simple lifestyle changes. However before I get any further, I would need to clarify that I do understand that certain aspects of our lives are more difficult to control than others. Some may even be entirely out of our control – such as age mentioned in Breast Cancer Fact #1, the fact that you are a female or genetically predisposed to cancer.

All cancers are genetic (it’s the mutation of genes that causes the cells to fail to die at their pre-programmed times, resulting in out of control growth of tissue that should not be there), but it’s the lifestyle and the environment that triggers them. Take the triggers away or suppress them by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and the chance of developing cancers diminishes strikingly.

While diet does affect some cancers (red meat for example has been linked to bowel cancer), there has been no evidence to suggest that it would have any effect on breast cancer. There are other risk factors that do however so let’s take a look at them.

Risk Factors That Increase Chances of Getting Breast Cancer:

• Alcohol – even a small dose of alcohol if consumed daily increases breast cancer risk by 6%
• Extra Pounds – oestrogen and several other hormones affect the cells’ ability to grow and divide. Carrying excess weight after the menopause results in fat pumping these hormones out
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – it helps to diminish the distressing symptoms of the menopause, but it also contributes to increased risk of breast cancer
• Fewer Children Later in Life – read Breast Cancer Fact #3 for additional info

Exercise on the other hand is the best lifestyle change a woman can take in order to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. It truly does reduce a chance of developing breast cancer but it can also help in diminishing other potential health problems so it should be on the radar of everyone looking to enjoy a healthy life.

It is important to understand that by eliminating the risk factors from your life and by adopting the healthy lifestyle which involves exercise, you still won’t get a 100% guarantee that cancer will not develop in your breasts. History shows us that many breast cancer patients were women who didn’t drink, had children early and breastfed them for a long time. Even if you do adopt positive lifestyle changes, it is important that you undergo regular screenings to ensure that if you do develop breast cancer, it is caught in its early stages so your chances of fast and uncomplicated recovery increase.

Breast Cancer Fact #3: Each Birth Decreases the Risk of Breast Cancer by 7%

Occurrence of breast cancer in developing countries, where women start to have babies at a much younger age and have more children than women in the west is significantly lower. It is because pregnancy and breastfeeding suppress ovulation which results in reduced amount of circulating hormones (such as Oestrogen) which are known triggers of breast cancer. Oxford collaborative group on hormonal factors in breast cancer published a study in 2002 the results of which state that every year of breastfeeding cuts the risk of developing breast cancer by 4.3%.

Breast Cancer Fact #4: Breast Cancer is a Disease That Most Women Survive

Nowadays, there are several treatment methods that can rid a woman of breast cancer effectively. Combined with the ability to diagnose the disease early, it is very rare to find a woman who would be dying because of breast cancer. On top of conventional breast cancer therapies, there are also ways to prevent and/or treat breast cancer through alternative healing methods.

Even though I was able to squeeze the breast cancer facts into 4 main points, a lot of information was provided in this article so I hope you were able to find answers you were looking for. Breast cancer can be a debilitating disease, however despite seemingly grim outlooks, we now have tools to make breast cancer less of an issue for women who do care about their wellbeing and take their health seriously.

Further Reading:

• Breast Cancer Alternative Treatment That Works?
• Breast Cancer Screening: Thermography as The Best Alternative
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Health Benefits of Garlic

Ward Off Various Cancers with Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants, Photo: kthread, Flickr

Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants

The following are some of the more popular Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants widely available for purchase in farmer markets but can also be grown in backyard gardens without much gardening experience or expensive tools:

• arugula
• bok choy
• Brussels sprouts
• cabbages
• cauliflower
• collards
• horseradish
• kale
• kohlrabi
• mizuna
• mustard greens
• radish
• rapini
• rutabaga
• turnip
• watercress

Isothiocyanates in Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants

According to the recent study by Georgetown University, consumption of broccoli and/or related Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants can supply bodies with Isothiocyanates, substances found capable of halting the mutation process of gene known as p53. Isothiocyanates, which can be found in broccoli and other veggies of the same botanical family act as protectors of gene p53 and p53 is a gene that defends cells against cancer by keeping them healthy and preventing them from becoming abnormal or cancerous. In other words, gene p53 is a tumor suppressant which when defective, could fail to prevent healthy cells from mutating and becoming cancerous. But as the findings by Georgetown University suggest, p53 can be protected by consumption of Isothiocyanates rich veggies, such as broccoli or other Cruciferous Vegetables or Brassica Plants which could greatly assist in prevention and/or treatment of wide range of cancers.

Watercress and Cancer

In another recent study conducted by British scientists and researchers, the effect of watercress consumption on changes to DNA in both smokers and non smokers was assessed. The scientists found that watercress protected both groups from DNA mutations, but the benefits were more apparent among the subjects who smoked. In conclusion it was stated that smoking cessation is definitely an important cancer preventing step, however inclusion of veggies such as watercress in diet of smokers can greatly assist in strategies aimed at reduction of the risks of various cancers.

Watercress - Found to Prevent Cancers Caused by Tobacco Smoking, Photo: HealthAliciousNess

Variety for Broader Protection Against Cancer

Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds which give Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants their distinctive aromas. Various glucosinolates are well known for their varying cancer fighting abilities which brings us to the conclusion of the article on the cancer preventing benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants – broccoli is a cancer fighting powerhouse, but by including a variety of veggies of the same family to your menu, you will be able to gain protection against a wider range of cancers.

Broccoli can prevent the spread of cancer cells, but watercress is very rich in a compound that can fight cell damage caused by tobacco. Other brassica plants appear to have the ability to ward off hormone related cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. A group of cruciferous veggies appears to be especially effective against cancers triggered by chemicals. All in all, to reap the maximum cancer fighting benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants, it’s best to eat a variety, instead of focusing on just one.

Granted, aside from their cancer fighting properties, Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, lutein, beta carotene and various other cartenoids which vary from one veggie to another. The type of fiber found in brassica veggies is known for its prebiotic effect, which helps to stimulate the growth of intestinal bacteria (good bacteria). People with healthy bacteria culture in their gut are more resilient to diseases (have stronger immunity), have cleaner, more radiant complexion and feel more energetic. These bacteria may also help to reduce bloating which is often associated with consumption of certain veggies known for excessive gas production.

So go ahead and add a variety of Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants to your diet. The benefits of eating these go far beyond their proven cancer fighting properties. You’ll enjoy a fuller, healthier life and the best thing is – these veggies are inexpensive to buy and easy to grow for those of you who enjoy gardening.

Incoming search terms:

• Brassica vegetables pictures
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Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Skin Cancer Alternative Treatment
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Detoxify Your Body Naturally with Broccoli
• Rare Photomicrography Image of Cancer Cells
• Health Benefits of Garlic

BPA Free Plastics May Help Reduce Exposure to Carcinogenic Bisphenol A, Photo: thesoftlanding, Flickr

Studies have shown that exposure to BPA can cause prostate cancer, breast cancer, infertility, obesity and ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. According to the data provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, as many as 93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies. Canada has already declared Bisphenol A a toxic substance (toxic to human health and the environment) and banned its use in baby bottles (negative effects of BPA are more severe in early development stages). The European Union has followed suit, however no such ban exists in the United States (as of the beginning of 2011) though several states are considering various BPA bans.

The Food Packaging and Bisphenol A Study

According to the report released on March 30, 2011 by a nonprofit organization The Breast Cancer Fund and a breast cancer research group The Silent Spring Institute, exposure to Bisphenol A can be significantly reduced with simple dietary changes. The Breast Cancer Fund and the Silent Spring Institute conducted a study in which 5 families from San Francisco Bay were requested to eat canned foods, including microwaveable frozen foods and drink canned sodas for the period of 5 days and then spend 3 days eating organic meals stored in glass or stainless steel containers.

Each of the five families consisted of 4 family members, which included an adult male, an adult female and two children of both sexes. Ages of children ranged between 3 and 11 year old. Urine samples of each participants were collected every day and analyzed by experts. During the first 5 days of the study, each individual ate meals prepared outside their homes.

After the initial 5 days, the families switched to eating organic meals and fresh produce for 3 days. These were provided by a caterer who prepared them using BPA free packaging. The urine samples analyses showed that 3 days after switching to an organic diet without plastic packaging, the BPA levels decreased by more than 60% on average.

How Anyone Can Reduce Exposure to BPA Today

As was demonstrated by the Food Packaging and Bisphenol A Study, simple dietary changes can significantly decrease exposure to BPA in both adults and children. Switch to organic foods, start eating fresh organic produce and avoid premade, microwaveable, plastic packaged meals and you could remove the burden of BPA from your body very quickly. And as the levels of BPA in your body decrease, so do the chances of developing breast or pancreatic cancer. There is no better cure for cancer than prevention.

Further Reading:

• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor
• 13 Foods Full of Pesticides – Avoid or Buy Organic
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Low Pesticides Foods You Don’t Have to Buy Organic

Eat Broccoli to Detoxify Your Body Naturally, Photo: Яick Harris, Flickr

Detoxify Your Body Naturally with Broccoli

Broccoli contains three essential detoxifying nutrients:

• glucoraphanin
• gluconasturtiian
• glucobrassicin

The trio of the above mentioned nutrients which are naturally present in broccoli work in accord to neutralize and eliminate dangerous contaminants that accumulate in our bodies. Natural disposal of toxins leaves us feeling lighter and more able to cope with pressures of everyday lives.

Detoxification of most toxins requires a two phase process and luckily broccoli contains nutrients that support both phases.

• Detoxification Phase I – assisted through the glucosinolates that are naturally present in broccoli
• Detoxification Phase II – assisted through the sulforaphane content which is also naturally present in broccoli

Broccoli is a universal, all in one natural detoxification agent that’s inexpensive, widely available, tasty and has no side effects. Contrary, aside from its undisputed detox abilities, broccoli can assist in many other areas:

Relieve Asthma Symptoms with Broccoli

Sulforaphane – an essential naturally occurring chemical that assists with Phase II of the detoxification has the ability to increase the amount of active Phase II enzymes of the upper respiratory tract. These enzymes neutralize the harmful toxins that make it to our respiratory system through breathing of contaminated air we are exposed to on day to day basis. Neutralization of these harmful elements may have positive impact on people with respiratory conditions, such as those suffering from asthma.

Broccoli is Rich in Fiber

High fiber intake is beneficial on a number of accounts. For one, it delivers the feeling of being full, which can assist in weight loss programs through resistance to overfeeding but fiber is also yet another important element helping with natural detoxification.

Fiber has the ability to soak-up the toxins that make to our intestines (through contaminated, non organic, pesticides and antibiotics treated food, for example) and flush them out instead of allowing them to get reabsorbed back into our bodies, sickening our system.

Protect Against Diabetes Induced Tissue Damage with Broccoli

People suffering from diabetes face the threat of tissue damage caused by sharp glucose crystals which form in the blood and circulate inside our bodies, rupturing the cells they come in contact with. This free radical tissue damage can be combated with antioxidant protection from hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonol glycosides. Broccoli contains both of these naturally occurring compounds.

Broccoli is a Good Source of B Vitamins

B Vitamins are essential for a number of metabolic processes in the body. Proper production of energy, for example is dependent on adequate fat and carbohydrate metabolism reactions. These require B Vitamins to function properly.

Furthermore, oral contraceptives have been proven to greatly reduce the levels of B Vitamins circulating in the body. Women who are currently taking, or have taken the birth control pills in the past could benefit from broccoli consumption profusely.

Stop Replication of Colon Cancer Cells with Broccoli

The rich green color of broccoli is attributed to the compound known as chlorophyll. This same compound – chlorophyll – is an alkalizing agent with the ability to arrest the abnormal cycle of the cells, which can stop colon cancer cells from replicating.

Broccoli Soup Recipe Video

Check out the video with instructions on how to make a simple broccoli soup:

On top of all of the above mentioned health benefits of broccoli, this cruciferous vegetable is also one of the richest vegetable sources of magnesium, iron and calcium. Broccoli also contains a good amount of protein, good amount of vitamin A and more vitamin C than an orange. The 3,3′-Diindolylmethane found in broccoli is an immunity booster with anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. Make broccoli part of your diet, detoxify your body naturally and enjoy the many other health benefits it delivers.

Further Reading:

• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Colon Cancer Alternative Treatment
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Rare Photomicrography Image of Cancer Cells

This is a very rare opportunity for all of us to see what cancer cells inside a human body actually look like. The image above was captured using Photomicrography technique called Deconvolution and later color enhanced for better definition and depth of the image. The photograph shows two Telophase HeLa cancer cells just before division.

As you know, cancer cells are cells with compromised DNA which causes them to fail to die naturally. Such mutated cells gain an ability to multiply uncontrollably and this process of cancer cell multiplication is captured in the rare Photomicrography image above.

The cancer cells image was submitted to the Nikon sponsored Small World Photomicrography Competition 2010 by Paul D. Andrews from the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK.

Incoming search terms:

• pictures of cancer cells
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Further Reading:

• Skin Cancer Alternative Treatment
• Prostate Cancer Alternative Treatment – Latest Therapies
• Latest Cancer Treatment Methods
• Cervical Cancer Alternative Treatment
• Cancer in the USA – Facts and Numbers
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer

Cancer Fighting Food #1: Citrus Fruit

Fight Cancer with Citrus, Photo: United States Department of Agriculture via Wikipedia

Oranges, lemons or grapefruits are all examples of citrus fruits. Citrus foods (any of them) have been found to have some of the strongest cancer fighting properties of all the widely available fruits. Citrus fruits contain molecules that negatively affect the process of tumor development but also reduce inflammation which is one of the reasons stimulation of tumor growth occurs.

Cancer Fighting Food #2: Cabbage Family Vegetables

Cancer Fighting Brocolli, Photo: churl, Flickr

Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale are all examples of cruciferous vegetables belonging to the cabbage family. Compounds found in cabbage family veggies contain properties that stimulate body’s defence mechanisms against carcinogenic substances that can lead to the growth of tumors through damage to cell’s DNA.

Cancer Fighting Food #3: Tomatoes

Cancer Fighting Tomatoes, Photo: Stegano, Wikipedia

That tomatoes are relentless cancer fighters is a well known fact. The pigment that gives tomatoes their bright red color has shown positive results in prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Oddly enough, phytochemical benefits of tomatoes increase when the tomato is cooked. That’s not to say you’d draw no health benefits from eating raw tomatoes, however when eaten cooked, the health benefits, especially cancer fighting ones increase.

Cancer Fighting Food #4: Mushrooms

Cancer Fighting Shiitake Mushrooms, Photo: Eric Steinert, Wikipedia

Mashrooms that have their origins in Japan are specifically known for their cancer fighting properties. Shiitake, maitake, enokitake and oyster mushrooms contain immunostimulants in such large quantities, their consumption could improve body’s natural ability to respond to out of control reproduction of cancer cells. Mushrooms can be eaten raw or sliced up and added to a stir-fry.

Cancer Fighting Food #5: Soy

Soybean - Potent Cancer Fighter, Photo: CoolFox, Wikipedia

Phytoestrogens – one of the compounds found in soy and its derivatives – edamame, tofu, bean curd, roasted soy beans and miso soup have the ability to prevent estrogen from interacting with breast cells. The mammary glands get easily overstimulated when estrogen levels are too high and that increases the risk of breast cancer. Phytoestrogens get in the way of this process reducing the possibility of developing breast cancer.

If you have history of breast cancer, make sure you consult with your doctor first as high doses of soy may have undesired effects.

Cancer Fighting Food #6: Seaweed

Cancer Fighting Seaweed, Photo: Sifu Renka, Flickr

Considered one of the modern age superfoods, seaweed (marine algae) is a sole source of a pigment that boosts immunity and inhibits the growth of microtumors.

To buy seaweed, go to the grocers or pharmacies in China town area of your city. You can boil it or steam it and then add it to your vegetable salad.

Cancer Fighting Food #7: Herbs and Spices

Cancer Fighting Fennel, Photo: Howcheng, Wikipedia

Molecules found in thyme, ginger, chilli peppers, turmeric, cloves, mint and fennel reduce inflammation and inflammation creates environments in which cancer cells thrive.

Cancer Fighting Food #8: Garlic and Onions

Cancer Fighting Garlic, Photo: felipe_gabaldon, Flickr

That garlic is an all around beneficial food for your health is a no brainer. What is less known are garlic’s and onion’s ability to rid body of DNA mutating (cancer causing) substances and their ability to kill dormant microtumors. To release these cancer fighting properties, chop or crush your garlic and onion prior to consumption. More information about garlic can be found on the Health Benefits of Garlic page.

All of the above listed foods are known for their cancer fighting properties and are widely available in grocery stores near you. Take advantage of these cheap, natural cancer fighters and make them your natural chemotherapy every day.

Incoming search terms:

• 8 cancer fighting foods
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Further Reading:

• Anti-Angiogenesis Foods – Agents That Fight Cancer Naturally
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Prostate Cancer Alternative Treatment – Latest Therapies
• Lung Cancer Alternative Treatment
• Diet and Cancer Prevention

Garlic - Cheap and Widely Available Medicine, Photo: Donovan Govan, Wikipedia

Garlic is a widely available and affordable superfood containing compounds that act as natural, powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents.

Garlic’s cancer fighting properties are believed to be linked to the combination of its properties, including:

• Antibacterial Properties
• Ability to Block the Formation of Cancer-Causing Substances
• Ability to Halt the Activation of Cancer-Causing Substances
• Ability to Enhance DNA Repair
• Ability to Reduce Cell Proliferation
• Ability to Induce Cell Death

Garlic and Heart Health

One of the main health benefits of garlic consumption is its positive effect on cardio-vascular system. Garlic has been found effective in lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, but it’s also been found to prevent blood clots which could reduce the risk of heart attacks. Garlic is also a powerful, natural way to reduce bad blood cholesterol.

Garlic and Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute of the USA, studies of garlic suggested that its consumption as an alternative cancer therapy could reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer, including the following:

• Breast Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Intestinal Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Stomach Cancer

Garlic and Fungal Infections

In one of the earliest studies involving garlic, European researchers subjected 10 types of resilient bacteria and yeast to allicin – substance released when a garlic clove is crushed or sliced (it’s the same substance that gives it that offensive smell). Their findings proved that garlic was effective against each of them.

When it comes to yeast (fungal) infections, garlic is particularly effective as a natural remedy to Toe Nail Fungus (tinea pedis) or Candida Asbicans, which is a vaginal yeast infection.

Fun fact – garlic is so mean to the yeast, when bakers go to cook bread flavored with this fine ingredient, they wait until the dough has risen, otherwise the yeast would get killed by garlic before it gains volume.

Other Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic has been found to have positive healing effects on people suffering from common illnesses, such as cold and flu and is a well trusted reliever of nasal congestion. Thanks to its immune system boosting properties, regular consumption of garlic can help keep a person in good health.

To take full advantage of garlic’s health benefits, chop it up 10 minutes before consumption. This will give your clove time to release enough active ingredients, such as allicin to make it really effective.

Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor
• Cancer Survival Rates
• Diet and Cancer Prevention
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer

Fight Cancer with Papaya - Treats Every Type of Tumor

Nam Dang from the University of Florida teamed up with researchers from Japan to test the anti-cancer effects of dry Papaya leaf extract against cervix cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer and found that the higher the dose of Papaya leaf tea was used, the more it impacted the tumor.

Cancer fighting properties of Papaya leaf tea were attributed to increased production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines, which are known regulators of the immune system. Papaya extract helps to stimulate these Th1-type cytokines which in turn promote the ability of patient’s immunity to destroy cancerous cells. With proper boost, the immune system is able to fight various types of cancers without the need of harmful procedures such as chemotherapy or radiation. And since Papaya has no toxic effects on normal cells, its consumption goes without side effects.

Ten different cancer type cells were exposed to Papaya leaf extract for 24 hours and each of the cultures experienced slower tumor growth after exposure. Researchers repeated the test with exposure to Papaya leaf extract of different strengths and recorded the results for each. In conclusion, higher doses of Papaya leaf extract showed more powerful impact on tumor growth. Since according to this study, Papaya is able to slow down the growth of any type of tumor, no matter which type of cancer you are suffering from, Papaya could help you fight it.

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Further Reading:

• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Skin Cancer Alternative Treatment
• Lung Cancer Alternative Treatment
• Lung Cancer Symptoms

Ongoing research indicates that agents in a number of natural foods directly contribute to treatment of cancer through Anti-Angiogenesis. Following four foods have been known as powerful cancer killers thanks to their Anti-Angiogenesis effects for a while:

• Blueberries
• Garlic
• Soy
• Green Tea

The strong four listed above have been joined by new two as recently as February 2010. William Li, head of Angiogenesis Foundation presented their latest findings at a prestigious TED Conference on February 10, 2010. During his presentation, William Li said:

We are rating foods based on their cancer-fighting qualities. What we eat is really our chemotherapy three times a day. We discovered that Mother Nature laced a large number of foods and herbs with anti-angiogenesis features.

According to Angiogenesis Foundation’s research, men who ate cooked tomatoes a few times a week were 30% to 50% less likely to develop devastating and humiliating prostate cancer. But the biggest surprise was the discovery of potent cancer killing mechanisms found in two foods that are joining the big four:

• Dark Chocolate
• Red Wine

Both dark chocolate and red wine showed undisputed ability to starve tumors to death by choking off their blood supplies. Along with parsley and virtually all types of berries, the above mentioned six anti-angiogenesis foods proved to be “as effective or more potent in battling cancer” through anti-angiogenesis as approved drugs. Yet unlike conventional drugs, there are no side effects associated with consumption of natural foods and they are vastly more affordable bringing cancer treatment to people of all walks of life. Further into the research, Angiogenesis Foundation also discovered that natural anti-angiogenesis foods were even more effective when eaten together.

Cabernet Sauvignon - A Glass a Day Supports Cardiovascular System But Also Helps Fight Cancer, Photo: jgarber, Flickr

Dark Chocolate - Delicious, Enjoyable and Cancer Fighting, Photo: suavehouse113, Flickr

Aside from cutting tumors off from the blood supply, anti-angiogenesis foods could also assist with treatment of obesity. Like tumors, fat cells also rely heavily on blood flow to sustain themselves.

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Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• Rare Photomicrography Image of Cancer Cells
• Health Benefits of Garlic
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor
• Skin Cancer Alternative Treatment
• 13 Foods Full of Pesticides – Avoid or Buy Organic

This being said – it is recommended to eat organic food whenever possible. Aside from being good for your health, organic foods is also good for the Earth. It is essential to point out that “organic” doesn’t necessarily mean “100% pesticides free”. Produce of every kind is subject to fungal and/or mold deterioration but most of all – unless you have grown the produce organically yourself – all you have to work with when buying organic from the grocery store is someone’s pledge that the products you are purchasing truly are organic. Unfortunately, seals of approval as well as all other forms of certification can be purchased because people are easily corrupted by money.

Despite of all potential downfalls, conventional foods are more or less guaranteed to have gone through pesticide treatment whereas with organic foods you stand much better chance of eating healthy. Still, thanks to natural abilities of some foods to resist pests or to protect parts that we eat from outside agents, the foods from the list below would be generally safe even in non organic versions. Without further ado, this is the list of low pesticides foods you do not have to buy organic:

Onions

Onions are a perfect example of a food you don’t have to buy organic. Because few pests choose onions as their hosts, only few and only mild acting agents are used during pesticide spraying.

Onion - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Jon Sullivan, Wikipedia

Avocados

Thick skin wrapped around soft, edible parts prevents chemical build-up making non organic avocados a reasonably safe option.

Avocado - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Darwin Bell, Flickr

Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn fields are heavily sprayed by the pesticides but little of the bad stuff makes it to the kernels. Various laboratory tests proved little chemical residue on the Sweet Corn kernels making it a reasonably safe food even in non organic form.

Sweet Corn - Low Pesticides Foods You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: USDA, Wikipedia

Pineapple

Most chemical residue gets trapped in the skin of the Pineapples which gets peeled off before consumption. Remember to wash the fruit before you start peeling the skin off so you do not contaminate the juicy parts with the knife that was cutting through pesticide rich skin.

Pineapple - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Markus Leupold-Löwenthal, Wikipedia

Mango

Like Pineapples, Mangoes are protected by tough skin that gets peeled off to expose soft juicy part inside. Rinse your non organic Mangoes under running water to remove residue before cutting.

Mango - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Zeetz Jones, Flickr

Asparagus

Asparagus is not an attractive target for insects or vegetable diseases making it an easy veggie to grow. Because of that, there is no need to use many pesticides.

Asparagus - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: itsjustanalias, Flickr

Sweet Peas

Numerous tests proved that pesticide residues are near undetectable in samples of non organic Sweet Peas.

Sweet Peas - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Gaetan Lee, Wikipedia

Cabbage

Another vegetable that requires fewer pesticides because it’s not subjected to so many pests. It will grow nicely even without any chemicals involved.

Cabbage - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Biso, Wikipedia

Eggplant

As is the case with Sweet Peas, Environmental Working Group claims that traces of pesticides are undetectable in Eggplants. Thick skin wrapped around it surely does great job keeping the chemicals away from edible parts.

Eggplant - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: J.E. Fee, Wikipedia

Papaya

Papaya skin is thick and does great job protecting the edible fruit inside from pesticides. As with Pineapple, it is recommended you wash Papaya under running water prior to cutting to avoid contamination by residues found on fruit’s skin.

Papaya - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: love♡janine, Flickr

Watermelon

I assume you already know the answer to why pesticides don’t make it to the juicy parts of Watermelons. There is hardly any chemical that could make it past that rind.

Watermelon - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Steve Evans, Wikipedia

Broccoli

Broccoli doesn’t face many pest threats hence fewer pesticides are needed to grow it.

Broccoli - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Яick Harris, Flickr

Sweet Potato

Environmental Working Group retains that Sweet Potatoes are unlikely to get contaminated by pesticides and tests tend to prove the claim.

Sweet Potato - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: RaeA, Flickr

Unlikely Candidate – Kiwi

Kiwi is said to get less contaminated thanks to its skin that prevents absorption of chemicals. Because of this it technically should be included on the list of low pesticide foods you don’t have to buy organic but that would require peeling the skin before eating. If you are not aware, most of the nutrients as well as high doses of Vitamin C – one of the most potent antioxidants – are found directly under the skin of this fruit. By peeling skin off you strip the fruit off its most valuable nutrients. I strictly eat Kiwi with skin (and always organic) and I’d recommend everyone doing the same. Do not peel your Kiwis, but make sure you buy organic if you intend to eat it with the skin.

Kiwifruit - Low Pesticides Food You Don't Have to Buy Organic, Photo: Darrren Hester, Flickr

While list above contains foods that are reasonably safe even if non organic version is bought, you should keep in mind that organic foods are not only healthier for your body, they are also more sustainable for the planet. Organic fruits and vegetables are grown from seeds that were not genetically modified and no sewage based fertilizers or chemical pesticides were used during the course of growing. Farming soils likes that.

Furthermore, even though the foods on the list tested low for pesticide residues, various studies suggest that organic foods are richer in essential nutrient than their non organic versions. The reason we have published this list even though we openly recommend buying organic whenever possible, is because in today’s tough economic times it is not always possible to stick with often higher-priced organic foods. This way if you only buy organic foods which are known to be full of pesticides in non organic versions and stick with non organic when buying foods found on this list, it will make the cost of staying healthy more bearable. Remember – mother nature will thank you each time you buy organic.

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Further Reading:

• 8 Cancer Fighting Foods That Are Widely Available
• 13 Foods Full of Pesticides – Avoid or Buy Organic
• How to Reduce Exposure to BPA (Bisphenol A)?
• How Cruciferous Vegetables and Brassica Plants Protect Against Cancer
• Detoxify Your Body Naturally with Broccoli
• Fight Cancer with Papaya – Treats Every Type of Tumor