October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Lets begin in high spirits and a motivation to stay healthy and fit.
Throughout October I will share with you some of my favorite anti-cancer recipes. They are easy to make and were created to protect the DNA, detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.
Pretty in Pink was one of the very first smoothie recipes that I created with breast cancer protection in mind. All you need is few minutes of your time, four simple ingredients and a blender.
Years ago researches have found that high consumption of fermented milk products may protect against breast cancer and considerably decrease the risk of developing this deadly disease. Probiotics help improve the immune function and strong immune system is the first step to disease resistance and good health.
Strawberries are the anti-cancer super-fruits. Thea are rich in quercetin, a plant chemical that can encourage apoptosis - programmed cell death - in cancer cells. Strawberries are also rich in ellagic acid that acts as a hormone blocker in estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Studies have demonstrated that ellagic acid and other polyphenolic antioxidants found in strawberries are also very effective in reducing the growth and proliferation of cancers including prostate, lung, colon, cervical, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer.
Strawberries are also rich in folate, a nutrient that was found to protect against female reproductive cancers that include breast cancer and cervical cancer.
High content of vitamin C and fiber are another reason why strawberries are an important anti-cancer food. Vitamin C not only stops free radicals from running amok in you system, it enhances the immune system by stimulating the activities of NK cells (natural killer cells) and other anti-cancer agents in the body. Studies have also demonstrated a strong correlation between the consumption of fiber and the occurrence of breast cancer.
Like many other kitchen herbs, basil has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Basil is rich in flavonoids that help protect cell structures from radiation and oxidative damage, and may protect liver cells. Liver is a vital detoxification organ that also plays an important role in estrogen metabolism. More than 50% of the metabolism and conjugation of estrogen takes place in the liver!
Raw, organic Manuka honey a wonderful immune system modulator. It has the highest anti-septic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity of all honeys. It has antibacterial properties not found in other types of honey, making it even more effective for treating infections.
A scientist in UAE discovered that Manuka honey can inhibit growth of certain cancers. Research shows that regular consumption of even very small amounts of Manuka honey can actually stop the growth of cancer cell within the body. Manuka honey contains a substance called methylglyoxal which has a cytotoxic effect - it kills cancer cells. Studies show that methylglyoxal can modify DNA and can contribute to formation of chemo-protective compounds in the body. Normally, methylglyoxal is considered to be a genotoxin - a substance toxic to genes and chromosomes that contributes to aging and disease, but methyglyoxal in Manuka honey does not have the damaging non-peroxide activity.
More research is needed, but you can safely add a spoon of Manuka honey to your diet for all the already known health benefits, provided you are not allergic to honey or a vegan.
~ Pretty in Pink Smoothie Recipe ~
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (add a few ice cubes if you are using fresh berries)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 Tbsp Manuka honey (I used 550+)
- 2 cups fresh, unsweetened coconut milk
Method:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.
- Pour smoothie into tall glasses and indulge in good company as often as you can!
Tip: Add a scoop of raw, organic supergreens powder for an alkalizing, detoxifying effect.
In radiant health, passionately raw - Dominique
*Information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or cure a disease.
Dominique Allmon ©2013
Also of interest: How to Prevent Breast Cancer by Dominique Allmon