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Last week I was delighted to have the opportunity to attend the Canadian Holistic Health Conference in Toronto as a Registered Holistic nutritionist and the theme for this year was “Demystifying Cancer-A Holistic Approach”. This is an interesting topic for me, given my long past experience in the laboratory diagnosis of cancer patients and my current experience, as a holistic nutritionist, in prevention and support of cancer using a holistic nutrition approach.

The conference was a good opportunity to meet colleagues, enjoy a good healthy meal, get to know the latest in the food industry and most importantly listen to and meet experts in the field of holistic nutrition from Canada and the USA.

Phytochemicals that fight cancer

One of the talks discussed the importance of plant phytochemicals in fighting cancer. Phytochemicals are natural chemical compounds that have been proven to fight cancer. Including these powerful phytochemicals from nature is one of the most important steps in prevention and treatment of cancer. These phytochemicals include but are not limited to:

Allyl sulphides:

Increase liver enzymes to detoxify carcinogens. Found in garlic, ginger, onion, leeks.

Carotenoids:

Act as antioxidants that neutralize free radicles and boost immunity. Found in cantaloupe, oranges, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash and dark green leafy vegetables

Flavonoids:

Prevent the attachment of cancer causing hormones to cells. Found in most fruits and vegetables including citrus fruits, garlic, onions, cruciferus vegetables,parsley, peppers, berries,sage, dill, basil, mint, rosemary.

Curcumin:

Prevents the attachment of cancer causing hormones to cells. Found in turmeric root and powder.

Ellagic acid:

An antioxidant which neutralizes carcinogens in the liver and inhibits cancer cell divisions. Found in red raspberries and walnut skin.

Polyphenols:

Act as antioxidants and reduce the damaging effects of cancer causing compounds called nitrosamines. They can kill human cancer cells. Found in broccoli, carrots, green tea, cucumber, squash, mint, basil, citrus.

Punicic acid:

Inactivates breast cancer cells. Found in pomegranate seed and oil

Ursolic acid:

Inactivates breast cancer cells. Found in Greek sage and rosemary.

Sulphurophane:

An antioxidant that increases the ability of the liver to remove carcinogens. Found in broccoli sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts

Isothiocyanates:

Prevent DNA damage, protect against environmental toxins and assist liver detoxification. Found in cruciferus vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale, watercress and mustard

Isoflavones:

Bind to estrogen receptors so that harmful estrogens cannot bind,  blocks the formation of blood vessels in tumors, infibits enzymes that might cause cancer and inhibits activation of breast cancer genes. Found in soy beans, flaxseeds, legumes

Lycopene:

Protect from cell damage. Found in tomatoes and tomato products

A Healthy and Easy Recipe to Fight Cancer Naturally with Holistic Nutrition

As a registered holistic nutritionist in Oakville, I believe that health begins in the kitchen. Today, I want you to get started immediately, so I have chosen this easy and delicious recipe that can help you fight cancer naturally with holistic nutrition. This recipe is perfect as a main dish and also as a side dish if using half the servings.

Adzuki beans with miso dressing (from Meals That Heal by Anne Egan and Regina Ragone)

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup dried adzuki beans, red small beans or black beans
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp miso (fermented soy bean paste)
  • 3 tbsp orange juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 3 scallions diagonally sliced
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, halved and cut into thin diagonal slices
  • 1 small carrot shredded
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped walnut

Place the beans in a bowl. Add water to cover by 2”. Cover and let stand overnight.

Drain the beans and place in a medium sauce pan. Add water to cover by 2” and bring to a boil on high heat.

Stir in the pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring, for 30 minutes or until very tender.

Drain the beans and place in a serving bowl for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the miso, orange juice, lemon juice, oil and ginger. Stir in the scallions, cucumber, carrots walnuts and beans.

Let stand for 15 minutes to blend the flavors. Enjoy!

Makes 4 servings

This recipe is also good for diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis and memory problems.

Try this easy recipe that can help you fight cancer naturally with holistic nutrition.. I always love to hear from you. If you like the recipe, feel free to pass it on to anyone who might benefit from it.

We offer tele-health coaching via Zoom, so we can help you if you are out of area. If you need help with your health and nutrition, sign up for a 15 Min Discovery Call where we discuss your current goals and concerns and how we can help you.

If you find this information useful, please feel free to share with your family or friends.

Maha Nasr

Maha Nasr, MD(Egy.), PhD, R.H.N, founder and owner of Healthy U Turn, is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Transformational Life Coach with 25+ years of expertise in the healthcare field. Maha helps women 40+ reclaim their health, regain their shape and rediscover themselves, so they can pursue their goals with greater energy, confidence and peace of mind. She offers personalized wellness plans to help women overcome stubborn weight, balance hormones, improve digestion, discover their authentic selves and let go of old patterns that keep them stuck. Her approach integrates a range of holistic tools for nourishing the body, mind & soul. Her toolbox includes natural nutrition, mind-body techniques, energy medicine practices and transformational life coaching.

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