Charlene’s Cancer-Fighting Cuisine | Episode 4

The absolute best way to prevent, treat, and beat cancer is through nutrition. Unfortunately, finding the right information can be hard. The agricultural industry is doing its best to confuse us with tricky labels and misleading science.

Did you know that over 50% of cancer deaths are preventable? With the right diet, you can drastically reduce your cancer risk – and even help your body heal from most diseases. The medical mafia wants you to believe that drugs are the only way to fight disease and illness. The truth is that there’s very little money to be made in natural treatments. The standard American diet (SAD) is loaded with sugar, toxins, and processed, fake foods.

Each month, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite anti-cancer recipes. These dishes aren’t just good; They’re good FOR you!

Here is a refreshing salad that is perfect for your next summer picnic. Watermelon is hydrating and loaded with potassium, which is good for the kidneys. While many people worry about the sugar content in watermelon, studies show that it actually helps lower blood sugar levels thanks to its potassium, magnesium, and arginine. 

Watermelon is a good source of the phytonutrient lycopene, which has been found to significantly reduce the risk of many cancers, is cardio protective, and supports eye health. Ripe (but not overripe) watermelon is best as it contains the most lycopene and beta-carotene. 

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a leafy green that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, immunity-boosting, and antiviral effects. Its sulfur-containing substances, known as glucosinolates, inactivate toxic substances and protect cellular DNA from damage. Arugula is also high in the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid, which may help prevent nerve damage in diabetics as well as those undergoing certain chemotherapies.

Wild salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps to improve arterial function, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces overall risk factors for disease. 

Spinach is a powerful source of chlorophyll and glycoglycerolipids (fatty acids in chlorophyll-rich plants) which protect the digestive tract from inflammation and damage. With an abundance of lutein and zeaxanthin, spinach is tops for eye health. Rich in zinc and selenium, it also helps to boost immunity and lower cancer risk.

Pastured butter from grass-fed cows contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Research shows that CLA reduces the risk of various diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. (CLA from supplements, which is made by chemically altering safflower and sunflower oils, is not as beneficial as the CLA from foods.) Foods from pastured animals also contain vitamin k2, which helps remove calcium from arteries and joints and directs it into the bones, where it belongs. K2 also inhibits cancer and is a natural aromatase inhibitor. 

Seasoning the salmon with curry spices adds an anti-inflammatory boost to this hearty meal, but the spices can be omitted or exchanged if they do not suit your taste. 

These yummy muffins are grain-free, gluten-free, flourless, and fit well in a paleo-type diet. Flaxseeds are rich in health-promoting omega-3s and contain lignans, which have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Lignans help flush excess estrogen out of the body, thereby helping to reduce the incidence of estrogen-linked cancers, such as breast cancer. It is important to purchase whole flaxseeds and grind just prior to use as the oils can easily oxidize when exposed to light.

A delicious accompaniment to muffins is hot or iced herbal tea. Did you know that certain herbal teas are powerful antiviral agents? Viruses aren’t just a nuisance that keep us home from work. Numerous studies show that viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) play a significant role in the incidence and progression of chronic diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac, type-1 diabetes, and even cancer. In fact, research indicates EBV could be involved with as many as 200 different disorders! This opportunist virus is lurking in most of the adult population. When activated it can hijack our B-cells, challenging our immunity. 

While food alone may not completely deactivate the EBV virus, it can certainly help. Licorice root, lemon balm, and milk thistle are three teas that are not only delicious and nutritious, but help to protect against EBV.