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.
Laboratory research related to tomato, tomato compounds and cancer suggests several possible anti-cancer mechanisms. Carotenoids act as antioxidants and stimulate the body's own antioxidant defenses, decreasing free radical damage to DNA that can lead to 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.
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.
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.
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.
Debate no more if you should eat chocolate or not. Go ahead and enjoy a dark chocolate bar (in moderation) while decreasing inflammation and preventing cell damage. Check out this recipe for dark chocolate-covered strawberries and pair it with a glass of red wine, which also have the powerful antioxidant flavonoids.
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).
Potato has been shown to suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis of human lymphoma, liver, stomach, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer cells.
Avocados are high in healthy fats, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium and fiber. This makes them rich in antioxidants and nutrients that are essential in a healthy diet and have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties.
Tomatoes contain cancer-fighting lycopene
Tomatoes contain a carotenoid called lycopene, which has been shown to provide numerous health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and even reducing the risk of cancer.
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.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, people who have advanced chronic kidney disease must limit their intake of potassium and mind you, tomatoes are rich in it. Also, the high levels of oxalate, when eaten in excess, can lead to kidney issues.
Snack between meals. Choose fruit smoothies, high-calorie puddings, shakes, high-calorie and protein drink supplements, sandwiches, avocados and nuts. Also, keep snacks by your bedside.
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.
Sometimes, chemotherapy drugs may cause mouth sores as a side effect. Patients who experience this may want to avoid citrus all together because the acidity of citrus fruits can be painful or irritating. It's also worth mentioning that grapefruit can interact with some common prescription medications.
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.
Avoid water, tea, coffee, diet soda, or other non-caloric beverages with meals. They can fill you up and replace the food your body truly needs. Include protein foods, such as eggs, nuts or nut butter, tuna, or chicken with every meal and snack.
Do not eat from high-risk food sources, including salad bars, delicatessens, buffets and smorgasbords, potlucks, and sidewalk vendors. Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables . Ask for pasteurized fruit juices.