In the fight against cancer, holistic choices have long been believed to play a crucial role in prevention and support during treatment. Emerging research continues to shed light on the power of certain foods/herbs in combating this formidable disease. This article delves into the top 5 foods believed to help fight cancer, offering insights into how these nutritional powerhouses can contribute to a healthier, more resilient body. By incorporating these foods into your diet, you may bolster your defenses against cancer and enhance your overall well-being. Let's explore the latest findings and understand why these foods are considered essential in the holistic battle against cancer.

1. Soursop | The Wonder Fruit

Soursop, the delightfully unique fruit from the Annona muricata tree, is a tropical treasure with a dark green, prickly, heart-shaped exterior that's just begging to be noticed. You might also hear it called graviola, guanabana, guyabano, Brazilian paw paw, or even custard apple, depending on where you are in the world. Grown in the sun-soaked regions of the tropics and subtropics, this fruit isn't just a pretty face—it packs a punch with a flavor that's a unique blend of strawberry and pineapple with a hint of citrus. Perfect for adding a tropical twist to your diet, soursop is as versatile as it is delicious. Don't just take my word for it; check out the latest research that highlight its potential health benefits below.

Based on a 2018 study, close to 50% of anti-cancer drugs are natural products. They may also be their derivatives or natural product synthetic mimics. The review also notes that the aerial parts of the soursop plant have proven effective against several types of cancer in laboratory and animal studies. Soursop contains a variety of phytochemicals. These are plant compounds that may benefit a person’s health. In particular, it is a rich source of annonaceous acetogenin compounds (AGEs). Acetogenins inhibit nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is contained in the membranes of cancer cells. Soursop has cytotoxic effects on cancer. Cytotoxicity refers to the ability of a drug to kill cells. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also cytotoxic therapies.

It is even documented as effective against cancer on the Memorial Sloan-Kettering site: "Lab studies have also evaluated extracts from the graviola leaf, fruit, and seed for their anticancer effects. Some of these studies suggest activity against breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreatic, liver, and skin cancer cell lines, but human studies are lacking." 

2. Polypodium Leucotomos | Kalawalla

Polypodium Leucotomos (brand name-Kalawalla) is a tropical fern in the Polypodiaceae family and it originates from Central and South America and the Caribbean. Locally it's  known as Calaguala or Samambaia. In the nursery industry, it’s known as Blue Star Fern. Notably, Kalawalla has two interchangeable scientific names, Polypodium leucotomos, and Phlebodium aureum.The former is used in scientific and biomedical research, while the latter is its formal botanical name used in the garden and nursery industry. 

Kalawalla has been used in traditional medicines for centuries. The indigenous people of South America used Kalawalla every day as a blood purifier. They believed that the herb gave them healing properties and supported their immune system so strongly that it is still popular in South American tradition today. Kalawalla herb contains three types of aminos (3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4- hydroxybenzoic acid) that serve the body as antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals that damage DNA and cause cancers, diseases, and compromise your immune system. Based on research studies in Europe and Australia, Kalawalla is particularly effective for those suffering from skin conditions, and has also been used to treat cancer and neurological disorders like alzheimer’s.

Kalawalla Facts

• Kalawalla is one of the few natural products considered as an approved medication in Europe because of its many published clinical trials
• Kalawalla is prescribed by MDs and NDs in many countries in Europe, Australia and New Zealand
• Kalawalla polypodium leucotomos herb is also commonly referred to as Difur, Calaguala & Samambaia
  
• Kalawalla has an OTC status in some countries because of its effectiveness in auto immune disorders

You may find some research studies here and here.

Kalawalla helps to balance your immune system. A real solution to auto immune disorders is to modulate(not suppress) the activity of T cell ratios to normal balance without any side effects. Immune modulation has the advantage that contrary to over symptomatic drugs in that the symptoms reverse themselves on their own after the immune system has reached proper balance and this is done treating the root of the problem, and not only the symptoms.

 3. Papaya Seed |  (Carica papaya Linn)

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit cherished for its medicinal properties. The leaves, seeds, and roots of the papaya plant are extensively used in traditional medicine to address various health conditions . Papaya is hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A, B, and C, monounsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and high levels of alkaloids like carpaine and pseudocarpaine, alongside other bioactive compounds. Interestingly, papaya seeds offer even greater medicinal benefits compared to the fruit's flesh . Phytochemicals are found in all parts of the papaya plant, including the roots, leaves, fruits, latex, juice, and seeds .

Papaya contains numerous components that exhibit anti-cancer properties . These components are associated with chemo-preventive effects, such as activating tumor-suppressor genes, deactivating oncogene products transcriptionally, and reducing oxidative damage by scavenging free radicals.

Scientific Research has shown that the black seeds from yellow (ripe) papaya  (Carica papaya Linn), do in fact have anticancer effects on Pancreatic Cancers, whereas white seeds stimulated prostate cancer proliferation. The anticancer effect of black seeds may be because of their high concentration of polyphenols. Research Study Further research has shown the papaya seeds offer anti-cancer properties that can possibly cure or treat other types of cancer, such as liver and colon cancer. View research study.  

4. Apricot Seeds | The Good and The Bad

Source: Health Line, Medicine Net...

According to Medicine Net, Apricot kernels/seeds have been consumed for centuries due to their nutritional and medicinal value. Apricot seeds contain nutrients including: 

• Amygdalin (vitamin B17)
• Vitamins A and C
• Vitamin E
• Pangamic acid (vitamin B15)
• Essential fatty acids (oleic, linoleic, omega-6s, and omega-3s)
• Carbohydrates
• Dietary fiber
• Protein
• Calcium
• Iron