Immunostimulants: 7 foods that help protect you against cancer

Certain foods, apart from nourishing the body, contain substances that exert a certain protective action against cancer.

Turnips and cabbages

Turnip, cabbage, red cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli any plant of the cruciferous family contains high doses of isothiocyanates, indoles and glucosinolates, sulfur compounds with anticancer properties.

Cooking deactivates a large part of these beneficial molecules – on average 20% is lost every five minutes -, so it is preferable to take them raw or finely chopped in salad if you want to take advantage of their full curative potential.

These vegetables should be present in the diet at least a couple of times a week

Fatty acids DHA and EPA

The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic or (DHA) are essential fatty acids omega-3. They are part of cell membranes and regulate multiple biological processes.

They are essential to slow the growth of tumor cells and especially prevent prostate, breast and colon cancers. The nuts and green leafy vegetables are rich in omega-3. Daily needs range from 750mg to 3g or more.

Lactobacillus

These beneficial bacteria usually live in the intestine and help prevent the growth of yeast and other harmful microorganisms. Having a good intestinal flora strengthens the immune system and prevents degenerative diseases that can be precursors to colon cancer.

The fermented foods (such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) are natural sources of lactobacillus.

If taking supplements, the recommended dose is 2 to 6 capsules daily that contain at least 1 billion living organisms.

Red beet

Its anticancer action derives from its richness in anthocyanins and flavonoids. Eating raw red beets has been shown to inhibit and prevent the appearance and growth of tumors.

It also has a high content of potassium, iron, calcium and magnesium, as well as folic acid, making it highly remine ralizing and antianemic. But its oxalates are not suitable for kidney stones.

Provides useful fibers to regulate digestive functions and prevent constipation. It can be added to salads or taken in the form of juice (50-100 ml daily).

Carrot

Eating a carrot has multiple benefits. Rich in minerals and vitamins, it is a nutritious food that facilitates digestion, neutralizes acidity, strengthens defenses and performs a powerful antioxidant action that rejuvenates the body and defends it from the degenerative action of free radicals.

Its high concentration in beta-carotene protects the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and hair, while the fiber prevents fermentations from occurring in the intestine. All these properties explain its proven cancer preventive action.

Black grape

The purifying, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial virtues of black grapes give this fruit a privileged place in the ranking of medicinal foods.

It stimulates the functioning of the kidneys and the liver, which are organs that are responsible for the elimination of waste; alkalizes the digestive system and favors the balance of the bacterial flora.

Its high content of a substance called resveratrol gives it the property of inhibiting a transcription factor associated with malignant cell growth and inflammation.

Oriental mushrooms

The mushrooms strengthen defenses and prevent or cure diseases arising from alteration of the immune system. Five of them stand out for their important antitumor role:

• maitake ( Grifola frondosa )
• reishi ( Ganoderma lucidum )
• cordyceps ( Cordyceps sinensis )
• turkey tail ( Coriolus versicolor )
• the sun mushroom ( Agaricus blazei Murrill )

Their richness in enzymes, beta-glucans, flavonoids and other active molecules makes them great allies of the body. From 800 to 1,000 mg daily of standardized pure extract help to stop tumor processes.