22. So, What SHOULD We Eat?

Glutton-Free: Cultivating a Theology of Enough

Part 22: So, What SHOULD We Eat?

In Anticancer Dr. Servan-Schreiber describes two kinds of foods: 

1) “Promoters” – fuel cancer growth (like sugar, white flour, and processed foods) 

2) “Anti-Promoters” – block cancer growth or force cancer cells to die

Let’s look more closely at these “Anti-Promoters” that actually help prevent or reduce cancer.

Berries: Powerful antioxidants that prevent cancer or detoxify the body are found in all types of berries! (Nutrients are not destroyed when frozen).

Cocoa: Although bitter, powdered baking cocoa contains antioxidants. Try blending it with almonds, dates, bananas, and cold water/plant-based milk.

Dark Chocolate: A healthy dessert alternative that actually fights cancer as well as taking the edge off your appetite. Makes sure its 70% or more cocoa. Try eating it with green tea after a meal. 

Flax: “Studies have shown that daily flax seed meal can also prevent and slow progression of breast and prostate cancers, improve blood sugar levels and thus possibly prevent type 2 diabetes, improve cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and hot flashes, and lesson joint pain.” Eat two tablespoons per day of this natural source of omega-3s.

Green Tea: A true superfood that blocks the growth of cancer cells and detoxifies the body.  Steep for 10 minutes and drink 2-3 cups/day (decaffeinated is fine but the nutrients are destroyed in black tea).

Mushrooms: They stimulate the immune system directly. Explore new varieties like: shiitake, maitake, kawarantake, enokitake, and oyster.

Oats: “The high quality fiber in oats is very healthy for your gut, and can prevent colon cancer.” Instead of sugary cereal with milk or bacon and eggs, try having one of oatmeal’s many varieties for an easy, daily breakfast: apple cinnamon, banana, or berries with mix-ins like flax or hemp.

Seaweed: “Nori is one of the extremely rare vegetable species that contain long-chain omega-3 fatty acids - the most effective against inflammation and indispensable to the proper functioning of neurons.”

Spices: Often act in similar ways as cancer meds but without the harmful side effects. “Teas/infusions, soups, and stocks are the most effective preparation methods to get the best of herbs.”  

Soy: The nutrients in tofu, tempeh, miso and edamame fight breast and prostate cancer.

Stone Fruit: Plums, peaches, and nectarines are often cheaper than berries but still provide great antioxidants.

Turmeric: “Has been shown to suppress cancer, causing cancer cells to self-destruct.” Mix with black pepper so its benefits can be assimilated in the body. 

Vegetables –  “There are literally scores of studies demonstrating that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits reduces the risk of dying from all the Western diseases. In countries where people eat a pound or more of fruits and vegetables a day, the rate of cancer is half what it is in the United States.” (Pollan, Pg 164)

Want to reduce your risk of cancer by half? Eat more fruits and vegetables! 

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