Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the antioxidant phytochemical that also helps prevent heart disease, but they're a good source of vitamins A, C, and E — all enemies of cancer-friendly free radicals.
In cell studies, lycopene decreases cell growth and reproduction, increases self-destruction of abnormal cells and influences androgen hormones that can drive the development of prostate cancer. In numerous animal studies, lycopene protects against prostate cancer.
Go orange, which might give you more cancer-fighting lycopene than typical reds. When scientists at Ohio State University made two batches of sauce--one with tangerine tomatoes and one with red Roma (plum) tomatoes--they found that people absorbed about 2 1/2 times as much lycopene from the orange-hued dish.
Broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are all cruciferous vegetables. This vegetable family contains powerful phytochemicals, including carotenoids, indoles and glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been studied and shown to slow the growth of many cancers.
Unpasteurized fruit juice or cider. Raw sprouts like alfalfa sprouts. Raw or undercooked beef (especially ground beef) or other raw or undercooked meat and poultry. Raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters—These items may carry the hepatitis A virus and should be cooked thoroughly to destroy the virus.
However, as they are low-acid, bananas may be a more stomach-friendly fruit for people with chemotherapy-related nausea. Bananas are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, so they are helpful for replacing the electrolytes the body loses from vomiting.
Potatoes are high in potassium, vitamin C and folate, all of which are most concentrated in the skin of the potato, which is left on in this dish. The roasted vegetables provide an opportunity to use what you have available.
Tomatoes are not only delicious but nutritious! They offer a number of health benefits and should be a staple of anyone's diet. Better Homes and Gardens describes the cancer fighting benefits of tomatoes, “This fruit/vegetable is the epitome of a cancer-fighting superfood.
"Cancer-fighting foods"
The list is usually topped with berries, broccoli, tomatoes, walnuts, grapes and other vegetables, fruits and nuts. "If you look at the typical foods that reduce cancer risk, it's pretty much all plant foods that contain phytochemicals," says Wohlford.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) block chemical messengers (enzymes) called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases help to send growth signals in cells, so blocking them stops the cell growing and dividing. Cancer growth blockers can block one type of tyrosine kinase or more than one type.
Potato has been shown to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of human lymphoma, liver, stomach, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer cells.
“A number of egg proteins and peptides have been reported to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, protect against DNA damage, decrease the invasion ability of cancer cells, and exhibit cytotoxic and antimutagenic activity in various cancer cell lines.
Be careful when you have dairy products: All milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy should have the word pasteurized on their containers. Do not eat soft cheeses or cheeses with blue veins (such as Brie, Camembert, Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Bleu).
Try high-protein foods that may taste better cold or at room temperature. Examples include cheese or cottage cheese plates; macaroni salads with shrimp, ham or cheese; tuna, egg, ham or chicken salad; cold meat or luncheon meat sandwiches; or cold salmon.
Stick to small, frequent meals. Avoid eating or drinking too much at once. Feeling overly full will make nausea more intense. Try low-odor, dry, and bland foods, such as crackers, toast, oatmeal, and plain yogurt.
Don't go crazy on junk food.
But remember your body is under a lot of stress and needs good nutrition. At least two meals a day, try to emphasize fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. Whole grains fight constipation.
Raw vegetables and fruits and fresh herbs are safe to eat if washed under running water and lightly scrubbed with a vegetable brush. Fresh salsas and salad dressings found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Choose shelf-stable salsa and dressings instead.
High-protein foods*
Use milk in place of water for hot cereal and soups. Include cream or cheese sauces on vegetables and pasta. Add powdered milk to cream soups, mashed potatoes, puddings, and casseroles. Add Greek yogurt, powdered whey protein, or cottage cheese to favorite fruits or blended smoothies.
Some raw foods can contain germs that can hurt you when cancer or treatment weakens your immune system. Ask your health care provider about how to eat well and safely. Eggs can have bacteria called Salmonella on their inside and outside. This is why eggs should be cooked completely before eating.
Include beverages with calories such as juice, milk, decaf tea with honey and oral nutrition supplements (Boost, Ensure). If having diarrhea, trial G2 (Gatorade 2) or pedialyte to replace electrolytes.