Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Horseradish: A Hot Way to Fight Cancer

by Kelley Herring

Do you savor the heat of horseradish? If so, you may be giving your body an extra layer of armor to fend off cancer.


New research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that horseradish contains 10 times more cancer-fighting nutrients (called glucosinolates) than broccoli. And it doesn’t take much to get the benefits. In fact, as little as 1 gram (or less than a teaspoon) can provide a significant benefit, according to researchers.

So go ahead and add an extra dollop of horseradish to your shrimp cocktail and apply liberally to your roasted wild salmon. You’ll add wonderful (calorie-free!) flavor and boost your body’s defenses against cancer.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Sugar Increases Your Risk for Colon Cancer

by Kelley Herring

The next time you get a chocolate craving, forgo the candy bar (or energy bar, ahem!). Reach for a low-sugar, protein-rich chocolate smoothie instead. You’ll balance your blood sugar, and may help reduce your risk of colon cancer as well.


In the Women’s Health Study, researchers found that a high glycemic load significantly increased the risk of colon cancer in women. That’s because foods that spike blood sugar and insulin levels contribute to an environment in your body that feeds tumor growth.


When you need a quick chocolate fix, try this: Mix 1 scoop Health FX Whey Advanced (an all-natural whey protein with no added sugar or artificial ingredients) with 1 tablespoon organic cocoa, 1/3 cup berries, and 1 1/2 cups water. Whirl in a blender and satisfy your sweet tooth… safely.

Rosemary: A Kitchen Cabinet Cancer-Fighter

by Kelley Herring

Most gourmands would agree with the old adage “spice is nice”. And now scientists do, too.


Inside your kitchen cabinet there are probably dozens of spices and herbs you should be using more liberally…and more often. Rosemary is one of them.


Recent research published in Oncology Reports found that rosemary has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. What’s more, the piney spice showed strong cancer-fighting activity against human leukemia and breast cancer cell lines.


Because rosemary is so effective at inhibiting oxidation, you’ll begin to see it listed as a natural preservative (called Vitiva) in some of your favorite foods. In the meantime, add this “herb of remembrance” to marinades, salad dressings and teas to boost the flavor and antioxidant value of your foods.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Flaxseed: Fight Breast Cancer at Breakfast

by Kelley Herring

Don’t let the diminutive size of flaxseed fool you. Packed with a group of nutrients called lignans, these tiny seeds pack a powerful punch against breast cancer.

So, how do they do it? Lignans work like a sponge—coursing through the body and mopping up circulating estrogens that can encourage certain cancers to grow.

A recent Canadian study evaluated the effects of flaxseed on patients with breast cancer. The patients were divided into two groups; one group received a single flaxseed muffin a day with 25 grams of ground flaxseed, while the other group ate no flax. The researchers found the patients eating the flax muffin experienced a significant slow in cancer growth, while those not noshing the flax saw no change.

Because lignans are locked beneath the tough exterior of flaxseed, your body can’t tap into their power unless you grind them. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of ground flaxseed on organic yogurt, whole grain breakfast cereal, or try Wellness Bakeries Chocolate Bliss Cake- each serving is an excellent source of ALA omega-3 and packed with lignans from finely milled organic flaxseed.



Does Your Diet Fit In Your Genes?

Probably not. And that’s a real problem.

Our genes haven’t changed much since the days of our Paleolithic ancestors. But our diet has. And the result is chronic disease.

The good news is that there are two small changes you can make to please your hunter-gatherer genes and protect your health. See p. 20 of Your Body’s Ecosystem and p. 11 of Fats That Heal, Fats That Harm to learn more.

Click here to learn more...


Saturday, August 08, 2009

A Madras Medely for Powerful Prostate Protection

by Kelley Herring

New research shows Curried Cauliflower—an ancient Indian dish—provides powerful protection against the development of prostate cancer. What’s more, this Madras medley was also shown to be effective in treating established prostate cancers.


Scientists at Rutgers tested curcumin, a phytonutrient found in turmeric, along with phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a naturally occurring substance particularly abundant in cauliflower and other vegetables of the broccoli family (including arugula, watercress, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi and turnips)

The researchers injected the mice with curcumin or PEITC, alone or in combination, three times a week for a total of four weeks. They found that both curcumin and PEITC significantly reduced the growth of cancerous tumors. But using PEITC and curcumin together produced even stronger effects.

Pick up a bottle of this powerful prostate protector. Look for a high-quality, organic variety at your local health food store and make sure to keep turmeric (or a curry blend) in a cool dark place as light reduces its potency.


Cut Prostate Cancer Risk by 48%

The Physicians’ Health Study evaluated more than 20,000 men and found that those eating this food five times a week had a 48% lower chance of death from prostate cancer than the men who ate less than one weekly serving.

See p. 23 of Fats That Heal, Fats That Harm to learn more and then find hundreds of recipes with this cancer-fighting ingredient on our website.

Click here to learn more...


Friday, August 07, 2009

Blueberries: Berry Promising Against Colon Cancer

by Kelley Herring

New research shows that pterostilbene–a compound found in blueberries—may be promising in the prevention of colon cancer.


Researchers at Rutgers and the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) teamed up to investigate pterostilbene’s cancer-fighting effects. In the study, rats were given azoxymethane—a compound that causes colon cancer. Half of the animals were then placed on a balanced daily diet, while the other animals were given the same diet supplemented with pterostilbene.


At the end of the eight-week study period, the rats that were given pterostilbene showed 57% fewer pre-cancerous lesions in their colon than those in the control group.


Make delicious, antioxidant-rich blueberries a mainstay in your diet. A great way to keep them on hand is to buy them frozen. Then just thaw and enjoy!


This Nutrient Cuts Colon Cancer Risk by 41%

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people getting high levels of this important nutrient, had up to a 41% reduced risk of colon cancer. But you have to get it from a particular source in order to benefit.

See p. 23 of Fats That Heal, Fats That Harm to learn more and then find hundreds of recipes with this cancer-fighting ingredient on our website.

Click here to learn more...


Thursday, August 06, 2009

Broccoli: Powerful Breast Cancer Protection

by Kelley Herring

When it comes to protecting against breast cancer, your best medicine may right on your plate. In fact, one family of cancer-fighting veggies in particular -the crucifers -show activity similar to the common breast cancer drug, Taxol.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers examined the effects of sulforaphane - a nutrient found exclusively in cruciferous vegetables -on human breast cancer cells.

Researchers treated MCF-7 (a human breast cancer cell line) with sulforaphane. Within 24 hours, the cancer cells stopped growing and dividing and there was an increase in a cancer-protective protein. Researchers found that sulforaphane acts much like Taxol by disrupting components of the cell called microtubules.


Fight breast cancer naturally by powering up your plate with this diverse and delicious family of vegetables. Crucifers include arugula, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, daikon, horseradish, kale, mustard greens, rutabagas, turnips, radishes and watercress—so boredom is no excuse.

Because sulforaphane is destroyed by heat, enjoy these veggies “in the raw” for maximum nutritional benefit.


This Nutrient Cuts Colon Cancer Risk by 41%

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people getting high levels of this important nutrient, had up to a 41% reduced risk of colon cancer. But you have to get it from a particular source in order to benefit.

See p. 23 of Fats That Heal, Fats That Harm to learn more and then find hundreds of recipes with this cancer-fighting ingredient on our website.

Click here to learn more...


Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Yogurt: Cancer Protection from Probiotics

by Kelley Herring

You probably know that probiotics—the bacteria found in yogurt, buttermilk, kefir and other cultured dairy products—can improve gastrointestinal health. Now new research shows another way these good-for-you germs guard against disease.


Researchers at the Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health recently found that probiotics inactivate carcinogens that can damage DNA. And in doing so, may help to protect against one of the most prevalent cancers—colon cancer.


To get the cancer-fighting benefits of probiotics, choose plain, organic yogurt (or other cultured dairy products). And make sure you get those with no sugar added. You can also opt for a high quality probiotic supplement (with “live and active” on the label) to get the benefits of these healthy cultures, calorie and sugar-free.