Cancer is a terrifying word. Today, I'll tell you which foods can effectively kill cancer cells in your body. You might want to eat more of these cancer-fighting superfoods to help prevent cancer.
1. Eggplant: "Frost-bitten eggplant" is a good medicine
In many traditional Chinese medicine formulas and folk remedies, "late-autumn eggplant" or "frost-bitten eggplant" is often used. Increasing evidence shows that eggplant has anti-cancer properties. An experiment once extracted a non-toxic substance from eggplant that was effective in treating stomach cancer and cervical cancer. Additionally, eggplant contains various alkaloids such as solanine, cucurbitacin, stachydrine, choline, perillarin, and nasunin. Among these, solanine and cucurbitacin have been proven to have anti-cancer abilities. The eggplant flower, calyx, root, and juice are all considered beneficial medicines, with ancient records of using autumn eggplant roots to treat tumors.
Chopped Chili Eggplant
Eggplant is also rich in nutrients. Except for slightly lower vitamins A and C, its other vitamins and minerals are almost comparable to tomatoes, and its protein and calcium content are even three times higher than tomatoes.
2. Bitter Melon: Li Shizhen called it a "first-class melon"
Bitter melon is a love-it-or-hate-it food. Many people love it, while others stay away from it. But it was the great Ming Dynasty physician Li Shizhen who truly gave it a prestigious status, calling it a "first-class melon" and a rare anti-cancer gourd.
Braised Bitter Melon
Modern Western medicine has proven that bitter melon's anti-cancer effect comes from a quinine-like protein, an active protein that can activate immune cells. These immune cells then act as "middlemen" to kill cancer cells or other abnormal cells. Bitter melon seeds also contain a protease inhibitor that can inhibit tumor cells from secreting proteases, thus preventing the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells.
3. Kelp: Can prevent breast cancer and thyroid tumors
In traditional Chinese medicine, kelp is called "Kunbu." It can prevent breast cancer and thyroid tumors. It is well-known in China that kelp is rich in iodine and can prevent goiter. In fact, kelp has many other abilities. The alginate it contains has a strong binding ability with carcinogenic strontium and cadmium, expelling them from the body. Kelp can selectively kill or inhibit bacteria in the intestines that produce carcinogens, and its fiber can also promote the excretion of bile acids and cholesterol. Kelp extract has a direct inhibitory effect on various cancer cells.
Braised Pork Belly with Sweet Potato
4. Sweet Potato: An anti-cancer superfood that is gradually being forgotten
The memory of many young people of holding a fragrant roasted sweet potato to warm their hands and satisfy their cravings on a winter day is fading. The roasted sweet potato vendors that used to be found on streets are now almost gone. As economic conditions have improved, surveys show that many urban residents in China no longer eat sweet potatoes.
Sweet potato, also known as yam or红薯, is considered an excellent food for preventing illness, prolonging life, losing weight, and maintaining health. In fact, sweet potatoes also have a powerful anti-cancer function. Recently, scientists discovered a substance called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in sweet potatoes, which can prevent the occurrence of colorectal and breast cancer.
5. Pumpkin: Known as the "divine melon"
In some countries, it is known as the "divine melon" because it can serve as both a grain and a vegetable. Americans eat pumpkin on Thanksgiving to express their gratitude. However, it is rarely planted in China now.
Pumpkin can prevent obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and high cholesterol. It is very effective for cancer prevention. The vitamin A content in pumpkin is incredibly high. It is also rich in vitamin C, calcium, and fiber, and contains an unknown component that inhibits the carcinogen tryptophan-P.
Pumpkin and Sausage Fried Rice
6. Wheat Bran: The best anti-cancer dietary fiber
Also known as bran, it is the seed coat removed when wheat is milled into flour and is used as animal feed, not for human consumption. When fed to livestock, it makes their skin ruddy and their fur shiny, showing a healthy state. Now, wheat bran is increasingly receiving attention. For health, many Western organizations are calling on people to eat whole grains and whole wheat foods. Whole wheat foods are made by grinding the whole wheat grain into flour and then separating out the bran.
Wheat bran is a "warehouse" for the main nutrients of wheat. B vitamins, minerals like selenium and magnesium, and dietary fiber are almost all concentrated in it. It can prevent and treat colorectal cancer, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Therefore, many experts believe that wheat bran is the best anti-cancer dietary fiber.
7. Radish: The "health protector" among root vegetables
Radish, also known as Laifu, comes in many varieties and is an anti-cancer expert. This is reflected in the agricultural sayings: "Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer, and you won't need to see a doctor your whole life" and "October radish is like water ginseng." The Dutch have designated the carrot as their "national vegetable," and Japan and the United States consider it the "health protector" among root vegetables.
Lemon and Sweet and Sour Radish
Radish has functions of anti-cancer, chest-opening, phlegm-resolving, and diuresis. Radish contains various enzymes that can eliminate the carcinogenic effect of nitrosamines. Its lignin can stimulate the body's immunity, increase the activity of macrophages, and enhance their ability to engulf and kill cancer cells. The spicy taste of radish comes from mustard oil, which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote the excretion of carcinogens. Radish also contains many unknown components that inhibit mutagenic activity. The vitamin C content in radish is 8-10 times higher than in apples and pears. Carrots, due to their rich carotene content, also have excellent anti-cancer properties.