5 Spices that Fight against Cancer
Traditionally herbs and spices are used in foods to enhance the favour, makes the dish savoury and appetizing. Apart from the taste they also have various medicinal properties and cure many choric diseases including cancer.
Cancer fighting spices
The Indian spices listed below are the one which can not only enhance favour in your dish but also helps to fight against cancer.
- Turmeric
Many of us know about this wonderful spice and probably heard many things about turmeric. Turmeric is one of the most commonly studied spices by researches. Turmeric contains active ingredient called ‘Curcumin’ it is the primary photochemical which will suppress the tumor growth, inflammation and promotes the death of cancer cells. Hence, it is considered as the king of all cancers fighting spices. Polyphenol curcumin can fight against leukemia, breast cancer, brain tumor, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma.The curcumin substance present in turmeric can destroy cancer cells by ‘Apoptosis’ (programmed cell death) by this you can get rid of cancer cells and promote the development of new healthy cells. Apart from cancer fighting, turmeric also has other benefits which include arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, carpal tunnel syndrome and it can heal many skin problems. - Black Pepper
Black pepper is a powerful spice, not only in taste but also helps to enhance the immune system and protects from cancer. Black pepper has anti-tumor and immune-boosting properties; which can inhibited formation of breast tumor and prevent from potential cancer preventive agents. This spice contains piperine, it is the major alkaloid which also inhibited the growth of cancer cells.
- Garlic
Garlic can fight against colorectal and stomach cancer. Many researchers have proven that garlic can also reduce the risk of certain cancers, like colon, stomach, pancreas, oesophagus and breast cancer. Garlic can do wonders even in lung cancer patients, by chewing raw garlic 3 times in a week can reduce the cancer to great extent; it also reduces in chain smokers. If you do not like the taste of the garlic, you can use them in many flavouring agent or add in dips, sauces, and stir fries.Garlic contains an active ingredient called ‘allicin’ which is a sulphur compound produced by chewing the fresh garlic or crushing it and consuming. Allicin compound will help to block the cancer causing substances and stop the cancer cell growth. Garlic also acts as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and promotes iron metabolism - Ginger
Ginger is an aromatic cancer fighting spice, it also boost immunity and cures digestive upset in the body. Ginger is the excellent home remedy for vomiting, motion sickness, nausea, gas, loss of appetite and many other ailments. Ginger is great for cancer patients, especially if they develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs. The gingerol compound present in ginger gives the spicy flavour is also responsible in slowing down the growth of cancer cells. You can use this spice in many smoothes; stir fried foods, hot teas, etc. - Cinnamon
Cinnamon is great source of iron and calcium. Cinnamon is also a cancer fighting spice which can block the formation of new vessels, therefore reducing the growth of tumours. Cinnamon can also lowers blood glucose, triglycerides, improves blood circulation, protects against diabetes and it can also treat OA (osteoarthritis). You can include cinnamon in many dishes such as oatmeal, in a glass of milk, coffee, tea or even on chopped fruits.
All the above listed are top 5 spices which should be included in your food to fight against various health conditions including cancer. Add these to your favourite recipes and enjoy the taste with its tumor-inhibiting benefits.
