Numerous scientific studies have examined multiple relationships between diet and cancer, including how diet can help prevent, treat, or contribute to the development of cancer. Some studies have found certain foods packed with the right minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals provide extra protection against cancer.

A diet rich in these nutrients could possibly help those at risk for various forms of asbestos cancer and are certainly beneficial for mesothelioma cancer patients undergoing debilitating cancer treatment.

Experts say up to one-third of all cancers could be prevented if people adopted healthier lifestyles. A step in this direction includes eating healthier foods. Doctors recommend a predominately plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to both prevent and help treat cancer. The following include some of most highly-recommended cancer-fighting foods available:

Cabbage – This vegetable is high in glucosinolates, which are anticarcinogenic compounds. Raw cabbage, especially when it is fermented as sauerkraut, is a great source of indole-3-carninol (known as I3C). This substance helps to eliminate carcinogens from the body.

Mushrooms – The traditional white button mushrooms found in most supermarkets have been found to contain anticancer compounds. Scientists discovered that white button mushrooms are effective at blocking aromatase, an enzyme that promotes breast cancer. These mushrooms also seem to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells (another cancer that may be linked to asbestos exposure).

Onions – Of the 10 most frequently-consumed vegetables in the United States, onions have been found to contain the third-highest level of phenolic compounds. These compounds are believed to be some of the most potent anticancer substances that can be found in foods.

Olives – Maslinic acid and oleanolic acid, both found in olives, are known to inhibit the propagation of cancer cells and promote apoptosis (the death of cancer cells).

Raspberries – All berries are great sources of vitamin C and fiber, but raspberries are full of anti-inflammatory compounds known to reduce cell damage that can result in cancer. Raspberries are especially high in fiber as well as ellagic acid and selenium, both of which protect against a range of cancers.

Pumpkin – An extensive and long-term Japanese study involving more than 57,000 participants found that people who consumed the most pumpkin exhibited lower rates of breast, colorectal, gastric, and lung cancers (all of which have been linked to asbestos exposure). Like other winter squash, pumpkins are very high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene.

Flaxseeds – These little seeds are filled with lignans, which are compounds that act like a weak type of estrogen. Lignans are known to promote higher levels of enterolactone, which is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among women. Flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to inhibit colon cancer in both women and men.

To learn more about nutrition and cancer, and how complimentary therapies can benefit mesothelioma patients, please visit the Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center.

By Michelle Whitmer

This entry was posted on Friday, August 8th, 2008 at 4:09 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.