After cancer treatment it’s important to keep eating well and adding in a wide variety of healthy foods to your diet. Below is a list of cancer superfoods that will benefit your recovery.
Super food defined: Usually an ultra-healthy, nutrient-packed, international plant-based food and supplement.
We have superfoods from our home countries, but eating super foods from all over the world will only benefit our bodies. Essentially, you are just eating foods that are high in phytonutrients and these phytonutrients help our bodies function optimally. This prevents disease from developing. Below are several superfoods used in cancer treatment and prevention.
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga Mushroom, in studies, has been known to prevent or slow tumor growth, due to the high content of antioxidants. The powder is used as a tea to drink warm, it’s also been known to lower blood sugar and increase energy, and aid in digestion. It’s important to note that if you are taking any medications for diabetes you need to be careful, as it can interfere.
How to use: 2 teaspoons of chaga powder in 240 ml of warm water.
Beetroot sprouts
Beetroot sprouts are great for digestion and the lowering of blood sugar. They can be a good source of protein, as they are filled with amino acids that are more effortless to digest than meat proteins and because the seeds are sprouted it’s actually easier to access more fiber from them. The one drawback to these seeds is that they can contain harmful bacteria if not stored properly. Make sure that you store them in a cool place and wash your hands before touching them
How to use: wash and clean before use, then add a handful to the top of salads or smoothies
Sacha Inchi Nuts
Sacha inchi comes in powder and nut form and can be a protein replacement, as it is a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. It also has more omega 3 (an essential fatty acid) than a serving of salmon and has more fiber than any other seed. Sacha inchi helps to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help control disease
How to use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of the powder form into a smoothie, or if you buy the actual nut, eating a handful will give you an extra boost of energy.
Spinach
Spinach contains loads of iron, calcium and magnesium and is great for bone strength as well as energy. Spinach contains chlorophyll, which helps prevent cancer and reduces acidity in the body which in turn slows the growth of cancer. Also Spinach contains loads of fiber to help ease digestion.
Note: Eating spinach everyday is not recommended, overconsumption of spinach can cause kidney stones.
How to use:It is Important to clean spinach before consuming. It can be eaten raw in salads, or cooked in stir fries. Also, Spinach can be added to smoothies.
Cacao
Raw cacao has 40 times the antioxidant power of blueberries. These antioxidants help protect our body against cell damage from cancer. Cacao also helps produce serotonin which is a mood elevating hormone that allows us to feel happier and more relaxed.
How to use: Raw cacao powder can be added to nut milk, with a bit of honey to make a healthy hot chocolate, or it can be used in baking etc. Cacao nibs can be sprinkled on granola or added into coconut or almond yogurts.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a very strong antioxidant that has been proven to stop the growth of cancer cells in some types of cancer. It can also help with the side effects of cancer treatments. Wheatgrass is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps keep disease away. It is easy to grow, and a shot added into a smoothie elevates its overall nutritional value.
How to use:Wheatgrass is most commonly used as a juice. In powder form you can add 1 tablespoon into warm water or juice (it has a strong taste, so mixing it with a fruit in a smoothie is helpful).
Maca
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable and is sometimes referred to as peruvian ginseng. It’s high in vitamin C, iron and copper. Maca contains flavonoids that help produce serotonin which makes this superfood that elevates your mood
Note: Maca can interfere with thyroid function. The best bet is to avoid this food if you have any thyroid issues.
How to use: Maca powder can be used in many different ways. Add a ½ tablespoon into smoothies or sprinkle on top of foods.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue algae. It is a very powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. The powerful antioxidant/anti-inflammatory contains phycocyanin, this gives spirulina a blue/green color. Spirulina can be very good at reducing the growth of cancer tumors and cells. Also it can help prevent anemia because it contains suitable amounts of iron.
How to use:Spirulina can be bought in supplement form, take 3 tablets a day. In powder form, you can add one tablespoon to smoothies or juices.
Kale
Kale is one of the most nutrient dense foods ever made, it contains loads of vitamins including vitamin A, K, C, B6 and loads of minerals including manganese, calcium, copper, magnesium and potassium. All the compounds in Kale have been known to protect against most cancers. There are a few different types of Kale, all as equally as nutrient dense, so find the one you like the best and enjoy!
How to use: Kale leaves can be steamed, sauteed or used fresh in salads. They can also be added to smoothies and juices.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a great detoxifier. It binds to heavy metals and clears them out of the body. It is helpful to use during radiation, as it eases the side effects. Like spirulina, it’s a freshwater algae that helps to enhance the immune system and is a very strong antioxidant. Chlorella is also beneficial when it comes to blood sugar.
How to use: Chlorella usually comes in a powder or capsule form. If you
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain a lignan that helps to slow down the growth or prevent cancer. They have proved most helpful in specifically breast and prostate cancer. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium which helps control blood pressure as well as blood sugar. They are full of antioxidants that help keep disease away and are high in fiber to help with digestion.
How to use: Pumpkin seeds can be put on the top of salads or oats, all you need is a few tablespoons
Chia seeds
Chia seeds contain carbohydrates, yet all the carbohydrates in them comes in the form of fiber, which makes them a very healthy addition to our digestion system. Chia seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acid ALA, DHA, and EPA. They also contain calcium which is helpful in maintaining bone health.
How to use: a tablespoon of chia seeds can be added to oatmeal in the morning, or into smoothies, as well as sprinkled on top of salads
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a very high in good quality protein as well as essential fatty acids. Also a good source of Vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
How to use: are best used sprinkled on salad or mixed into smoothies
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are very high in fiber and therefore very good to aid in digestion. They are a good source of protein and are very good for bone health as they contain lots of calcium. The highest absorption of the calcium comes from soaking the sesame seeds in water (activation) and then eating them. Sesame seeds also help to reduce inflammation and are high in B vitamins. Black sesame seeds have more of a bitter taste than white ones.
How to use: Best sprinkled on salads or in oatmeal
Basil Seeds
Basil seeds are high in fiber and can help with bloating and digestive issues. When soaked in water they are very similar to chia seeds and can be used as a thickener. Basil seeds also carry a compound that may help kill cancer cells as well as fight disease and help reduce inflammation.
How to use: Similar to chia seeds, 1 tablespoon can be sprinkled on salads, added to smoothies or oatmeal
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and can be used to reduce pain. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent the brain from succumbing to disease as well as prevent the growth and progression of cancer. It should be taken with black pepper as there is a higher absorption rate when taken together.
How to use: This can be added to recipes. Warm turmeric milk is also a way to drink it more regularly.
Golden Turmeric Milk
For 1 person
250 ml (1 cup) almond milk
3 cardamom pods, cracked
½ tsp. ground turmeric
½ tsp. fresh grated ginger or 1 tsp. ground ginger
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ tbsp. honey or to taste
Place the milk in a small saucepan. Add ¼ cup water to the almond milk. Add all the spices except the honey and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir through the honey, strain and serve.
Black Garlic
Black garlic contains large amounts of powerful antioxidants. The fermentation process of black garlic enhances its bioactivity. Studies have shown that black garlic can be beneficial in slowing down the growth of certain colon cancers and leukemia cells.
How to use: 600 to 1200 mg per day as a food supplement. Or eat
