ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

12 herbs and spices that may aid cancer prevention

According to reports, one in every five deaths in the country is due to cancer; that said, technological advancements in healthcare have increased cancer survival rates. Early diagnosis and a systematic treatment course are essential for cancer recovery. In terms of prevention, genetic testing can help understand one’s odds of developing the disease. Moreover, besides following a healthy lifestyle, including some herbs and spices in one’s meals can help with cancer prevention:

Black pepper
In addition to spicing up one’s soups and salads, black pepper can help lower one’s risk of cancer. This pungent condiment contains a molecule called piperine, which brings about its delectable flavor and has anti-cancer properties. Some studies have also found that black pepper can inhibit the development of colorectal cancer cells.

Ginger
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has been widely recommended as the magic ingredient to relieve colds, flu, and digestive problems, among others. Moreover, studies have shown that gingerols present in ginger have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines. It has also been found effective in protecting against various other types of cancer, such as pancreatic, gastric, liver, and colorectal cancers.

Basil
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) suggests that basil, which is packed with flavonoids, may have a protective effect against cancer. It also contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds, which can help with slowing down the growth of cancerous tumors. The leaves of this flavorful herb may be consumed directly or seasoned in a variety of foods, from stir fries and soups to smoothies and breads.

Rosemary
Rosemary is widely used as a seasoning ingredient in several delicacies, including gnocchi, macaroni and cheese, fondue, marinades, and stir-fry preparations. Besides having a mild yet enticing sweet flavor, this aromatic herb is high in carnosol, a phytochemical proven to slow cancer growth. It also has antioxidant properties and can boost the immune system considerably.

Garlic
Reports by AICR have found that garlic can reduce one’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. It also has several antioxidant properties that boost immunity and help the body fight cancer cells. Studies have shown that regular intake of garlic can reduce one’s susceptibility to breast, lung, colon, and uterine cancer. One may add crushed or finely chopped garlic to soups, stir-fries, butters, and breads.

Cardamom
As per research reports, cardamom powder can increase the activity of certain cancer-fighting enzymes in the body. Besides helping with cancer prevention, it acts as a chemotherapeutic agent, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other cancer interventions. A cup of cardamom tea can soothe the body and ensure protection against cancer.

Cinnamon
This flavorful condiment has been shown to reduce the growth of cancer cells and the development of blood vessels in cancerous tumors. It contains several phytonutrients with cytotoxic properties, which help destroy certain types of cancer cells. Cinnamon powder is often used in cakes, cookies, etc.; it may also be sprinkled in shakes and smoothies for an irresistible fragrance and subtle yet rich taste. Cinnamon tea is another way of including this spice.

Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, an antioxidant that helps with the destruction of cancer cells. It is particularly effective in fighting prostate cancer. A pinch of cayenne pepper suffices to enhance the flavor of a preparation considerably. One may also sprinkle cayenne pepper over lemonade, scrambled eggs, etc.

Clove
Cloves are rich in triterpenes, such as betulinic acid, which serve as chemopreventive agents against breast cancer. They inhibit the molecules promoting the onset of cancer. One may sprinkle crushed or powder cloves in soups, smoothies, gravies, etc.

Oregano
This spice does more than add flavor to pizzas, noodles, and pasta. Carvacrol, a molecule found in oregano, is a natural disinfectant that curbs the growth of cancer cells. Oregano may also help regulate the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which increase cancer risk.

Turmeric
This bright-yellow spice single-handedly enhances the visual appeal of foods. However, its usefulness is not limited to enhancing food esthetics. Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its color, is a powerful antioxidant that slows the growth of cancer cells in the body. Turmeric destroys the blood vessels that contribute to the development of cancer cells, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Besides adding turmeric to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc., one may also have a cup of warm turmeric milk, which can boost immunity considerably.

Caraway
According to some studies, caraway or meridian fennel is an antioxidant that can control the growth of cancer. It protects the body from free radicals and can help with the prevention of different types of cancer. In addition, it helps with digestion and may be consumed directly after meals. One may also add fennel powder in stir-fries, soups, etc., for enhanced flavor.

In addition to incorporating these herbs and spices into one’s meal plan, one should have wholesome meals rich in all the essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, processed foods and deep-fried foods contain trans fats, which can increase one’s susceptibility to cancer and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cholesterol. Thus, it is important to avoid such foods for cancer prevention.

In general, an active lifestyle can considerably reduce the risk of developing cancer. A study found that leisure-time physical activity was linked to 23% reduced risk of kidney cancer. It is a good idea to incorporate different forms of workouts, including aerobics, cardio, yoga, pilates, and strength training, into one’s exercise routine for a healthy body and reduced risk of cancers. In addition, staying hydrated and swapping sugary beverages with fresh fruit juices, smoothies, soups, etc. can help with physical well-being and cancer prevention. In general, one’s meals should comprise fruits and vegetables (particularly leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables), eggs, poultry, lean meats, etc., which can replenish the body with adequate nutrients and boost immunity to fight cancer cells.

Popular Reads

8 early arthritis signs one should not ignore

Living with arthritis can be a deeply uncomfortable experience. This is due to its myriad list of symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for arthritis, healthcare professionals can work on a treatment plan for people to reduce pain and inflammation and improve their quality of life. To achieve those objectives, such professionals need to detect the earliest signs and symptoms of the condition. Here are some of the most common early arthritis signs: Morning stiffness Most people feel stiff in the morning when they wake up. This tightness is caused due to the overnight changing of lubrication in the joints and fascia. Another cause for morning stiffness is that the body’s natural Ibuprofen has not kicked in yet. However, this stiffness tends to go away when one moves and stretches out a little. Morning exercises are a great way to release this morning stiffness. In the case of arthritis, this stiffness and tightness simply do not go away. This happens because of the inherently deep nature of arthritis symptoms. Therefore, if an individual experiences stiffness for 30 to 45 minutes after waking up, it may be a sign of arthritis and should be checked by a medical professional. In fact, the stiffness does not occur only in the morning but also after one rests for a long time and then gets up from a comfortable position. This happens because the synovial fluid, a thick liquid found between one’s joints that reduces friction and joint damage, in one’s body becomes more gelatinous after a long period of inactivity. This is something that is caused by arthritis. Fatigue Arthritis has many subtypes, one of the most commonly found ones being rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes widespread inflammation within the bones and joints in people. One of the common symptoms of this kind of arthritis is perpetual fatigue.

Poor blood circulation – Common signs and management tips

Blood circulation is one of the most important functions in the body, as vital organs depend on oxygen and nutrients supplied by the red blood cells to survive and function. However, certain factors like poor nutrition, underlying health issues, and unhealthy daily habits can reduce blood flow and disrupt circulation. So, here are a few common signs of poor blood circulation and useful tips for managing and overcoming the problem: Signs of poor blood circulation Visible swelling One of the first and most evident signs of poor blood circulation is swelling. Also referred to as edema, this swelling develops in the legs, feet, and ankles. Edema develops when the blood pools in one place instead of moving along the arteries and veins. Pooling causes the area to bulge. Edema is often noticeable along the extremities of the body. Due to the swelling, the skin around the affected area becomes taut and warm. Additionally, one might experience a sensation of heaviness and stiffness around the joints when affected by poor circulation. Numbness and tingling Blood circulation is a continuous process, with the heart pumping blood to reach all extremities of the body. So, any obstruction here can restrict the circulation resulting in a familiar tingling or sensation of numbness. Often, one experiences these sensations in the extremities of the hands and feet. The sensation may persist or flare up for short periods of time as the blood moves along veins and arteries. Many people compare this sensation to that of pricks caused by pins and needles. The severity of this symptom depends on how severely the circulation has been affected. Skin and hair problems The blood contains essential proteins that promote skin health and hair growth. Poor circulation deprives the skin of these essential nutrients and triggers visible changes in its color and texture.

9 common mistakes truck drivers should avoid

The freight industry is experiencing rapid growth. In today’s interconnected world, we rely heavily on trucks and trailers to transport a wide range of goods. However, driving a truck is not as simple as some may think. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran truck driver, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid any accidents or mishaps when you are on the road. Here are 9 errors all truck drivers should avoid on the road: Crossing speed limits When transporting goods, it’s understandable to have a deadline to meet. However, unforeseen circumstances and road hazards may cause delays. It’s important to resist the urge to speed or exceed the recommended speed limit. According to truck driving laws in the country, a single axle can carry up to 20,000 lbs, while a tandem axle can carry up to 34,000 lbs. Carrying such a heavy load requires careful control, and overspeeding can lead to loss of control, risking your safety and that of others around you. It’s crucial to follow the recommended speed limit to avoid accidents that could slow you down even more. Sleep deprived riving Many truck drivers get paid by the hours they drive or the distance they cover. This can push drivers into driving for longer than recommended. According to Federal Law, truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours in a 14-hour shift, after which they must spend 10 consecutive hours away from the wheel. This leaves very little time for drivers to take care of their responsibilities and get the right amount of rest, causing them to feel drowsy behind the wheel. This may lead to: Challenged reflexes – When you’re drowsy, your reflexes slow down. This increases your response time to whatever may be happening on the road around you and increases the likelihood or severity of an accident.