4 Medicinal Plants And 4 Supplements That Help Prevent Cancer

Some of the commonly used foods can be excellent allies in preventing cancer. In other cases, although they are easy to obtain, it is not so frequent that we incorporate them regularly into the diet.

These four ingredients can help you prevent cancer if you consume them regularly:

• Green tea is able to block the formation of blood vessels that feed cancer tissue thanks to the action of epigallocatechin gallate, one of the most powerful antioxidants known.
  This substance reaches the blood after drinking a cup and in a short time surrounds all the cells of the body, promoting their resistance to invasion by cancer cells. It also helps the liver to quickly remove toxins from the body.

Experts recommend that you drink a minimum of two cups of tea daily to prevent all types of cancers, especially those of the breast, kidney, skin, mouth, prostate and leukemia.

• Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) seeds are rich in a compound called silibinin, the main constituent of flavolignan silymarin. It is one of the most effective stimulants of glutathione production, the most powerful endogenous antioxidant.
  On the other hand, it is one of the most effective liver detoxifying and protective substances.
  In herbal medicine, the fluid extract (25-50 drops, one to three times a day), the tincture (50-100 drops, one to three times a day) or the dry extract (0.5-1 g daily) is used.
• Turmeric, a yellow powder obtained from the root of Curcuma longa , contains curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit the reproduction of cancer cells.
  A good way to get a dose of curcumin is to mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with half a tablespoon of olive oil and a generous pinch of black pepper, essential because it multiplies the absorption.
• Aromatic plants (spearmint, thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, rosemary …) provide anticancer power thanks to terpenes, substances responsible for its aroma. It is convenient to consume them daily.

The most interesting antioxidant supplements

Certain supplements exert their own antioxidant action and also reinforce the body’s repair capacity. From a certain age it may be advisable to take an aid that complements the diet. You should always consult with a specialist before taking any supplement.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element for the synthesis of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione and also favors the multiplication of immune cells.

The Brazil nut is very rich in the mineral, although the most accessible food source is whole wheat bread.

Vegetables in general provide moderate amounts, but the concentration depends on the richness of the soil in the mineral.

The recommended daily dose is 50 mcg.

N-acetylcysteine

It is an amino acid with an antioxidant effect that increases the cellular levels of glutathione.

It is available as a medicine and as a generic supplement.

Doctors indicate it to reduce the viscosity of respiratory mucus.

Coenzyme Q10

It is involved in the generation of energy in the mitochondria.

In many diseases, including cancer, Q10 levels are decreased. Supplementation with Q10 can mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy (especially heart damage).

On the other hand, older people may not be able to generate enough of this coenzyme.

It is found in small amounts in soybean and sesame oils. In supplement form, a daily dose of 120 mg is recommended .

Vitamins A, C and E

They are the great antioxidant trio.

• Vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, reduces the risk of skin and lung cancer. It is found in yellow, orange and red vegetables and fruits, such as carrots or apricots.
• Vitamin C is abundant in oranges, kiwis, red peppers, or strawberries.
• Vitamin E especially protects the cell membrane. It is found in nuts, seeds and extra raw virgin oils, such as olive and sunflower.