Indian spices that cure cancer

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 tumor cells causing prostrate cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, brain tumour, pancreas 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 tumor cells. Therefore, the side-effects are imminent.

The Turmeric plant is a relative of Ginger and has been used for thousands of years in Indian Ayurvedic medicine (the science of long life) as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent to treat infection, inflammation, wound healing, poor digestion, etc. And as you may know, it is also a staple ingredient in Indian, Persian, Thai, and Malaysian Cuisine.

Turmeric contains the powerful cancer-fighting polyphenol Curcumin. Curcumin has been clinically shown to inhibit growth of various tumor cells including: Bone, Breast, Brain Tumors, Colon, Liver, Pancreatic, Stomach, Bladder, Kidney, Prostate, Leukemia, Ovarian, Melanoma, and more!

Curcumin has the ability to block every stage of cancer development, from cell mutation, to tumor growth, to metastasis. It can also kill many different types of tumor cells by triggering apoptosis(programmed cell death) without affecting normal cells. It is because of these known benefits, that curcumin has been the subject of cancer research for many decades.

There are hundreds of published studies demonstrating the anti-tumor power of curcumin, but because the pharmaceutical industry hasn’t figured out how to make a patentable FDA-approved drug out of it, curcumin cannot be used in cancer treatment. This is the reality of “evidence-based medicine”, ignoring all evidence that cannot produce patented profitable drugs.

Oregano has extremely high levels of antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. It is a powerful parasite fighter. One teaspoon of oregano has the same antioxidant power (ORAC) of two cups of red grapes. It contains the phytochemical Quercetin, which is known to slow tumor growth and also promote apoptosis. And on top of that Oregano is a good source of Vitamin K and Iron.

Garlic is the most powerful anti-cancer spice. Studies all over the world have shown it to lower the risk of developing all types of cancers especially colon, stomach, intestinal, and prostate cancer. It has strong antibacterial properties as well as the ability to block formation and halt activation of cancer-causing substances. Garlic can also enhance DNA repair, slow down cell reproduction, and like Turmeric and Oregano, induce apoptosis. It stops tumor growth and kills cancer cells.

Cayenne Pepper/Capsaicin (Chilli peppers): A promising spice with anti-tumor 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.

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.

Ginger: This humble spice boasts of medicinal qualities that help lowering cholesterol, boost metabolism and kill tumor cells. Easily added to vegetable dishes, fish preparations and salads, ginger enhances 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.

Sources: chrisbeatcancer; Times of India