Cancer

Each cell in the body contains its own genetic material that tells the cell how to function. Normal cells will divide at a controlled rate to replace and repair damaged tissues and cells. If the cells keep multiplying when new cells are not needed those cells become a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be benign, meaning not harmful, or malignant, meaning cancerous. Malignant tumors grow uncontrollably invading other tissue and interfering with regular functions of the body.

Possible factors affecting cancer development can be broken into three main categories- external, internal, and lifestyle. External factors can include exposure to an unhealthy environment, pollution, chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides. Internal factors include genetics and infections. Lifestyle factors include diet, smoking, drinking, and sun exposure. These factors do not necessarily affect the growth of cancer directly but can weaken our immune systems preventing our body from fighting abnormal cell production.

To prevent the growth of cancer eat a diet high in grains, nuts, seeds, and unpolished brown rice. Eat cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach. Also eat plenty of asparagus and yellow and orange vegetables including carrots, pumpkin, squash, and yams. Apples, berries, Brazil nuts, cantaloupes, cherries, grapes, legumes, oranges, and plums have all been found to help fight cancer. Eat onions and garlic liberally to enhance immune function. Eat raw almonds and tomatoes regularly. Limit consumption of dairy products, peanuts, junk foods, processed refined foods, saturated fats, salt, sugar, white flour, animal protein, and farmed fish.