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Some foods and spices contain compounds and properties that put them in the category of cancer fighting foods. That means you have an opportunity to fight cancer every time you eat a healthy meal, snack, or beverage that includes some of these natural cancer killer. Research into the anticancer abilities of various foods and spices has revealed some have more potential to prevent or reduce the risk of certain cancers than others.

With that being said, here is our top 10 list of cancer fighting foods.

1. Garlic

Garlic does more than keep vampires away—the popular herb also contains allium compounds that enhance the activity of immune system cells designed to fight cancer.

Eating garlic could protect against bowel and stomach cancer, two of Britain’s biggest killers. It has long been recognized that garlic lowers the risk of heart disease and strokes through its effect on blood-clotting mechanisms.

Researchers have now  found that people who eat raw or cooked garlic regularly face only half the risk of stomach cancer and two-thirds the risk of colon cancer. The findings were released as Prince Charles launched Loud Tie Day to raise awareness of bowel cancer. This form of cancer is the second biggest killer after lung cancer, with 30,000 new sufferers each year being diagnosed of -18,500  of whom will die. Approximately 10,000 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer each year. Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) have carried out a review of hundreds of studies investigating the role of garlic in preventing cancer.

Research suggests eating between one and two servings of garlic a day can be effective in protecting against cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends eating two to five cloves of garlic a week or taking garlic supplements.

2. Beans

Beans are one of the best sources of plant protein and provide an excellent amount of fiber, but they are also an important part of a nutritious diet because they have cancer fighting properties.  Researchers at Colorado State University reported on the anticancer abilities of bean. They noted that beans contain a number of phytochemicals, which have been shown to prevent or slow genetic damage to cells. While this makes beans beneficial for helping to reduce your risk of many types of cancer, specific research has suggested they are especially potent in preventing prostate cancer. As an added bonus, the high fiber content of beans has been connected with a lower risk of digestive cancers.

3. Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant that has been associated with a reduced risk of various cancers, including prostate, mouth, throat, colon, stomach, and bladder. A study in Urology found that carrots were agents associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer. A National Cancer Institute study also showed that carrots help reduce the risk of mouth and throat cancers. In addition to beta-carotene, carrots also have a cancer fighting substance called falcarinol. A study of falcarinol and intestinal cancer cells showed that falcarinol inhibited proliferation of the cells. To get the most benefit from this natural cancer killer, you should enjoy raw carrots because they retain more of their nutritional value, unlike cooked carrots, although raw or cooked, carrots are an important part of any cancer prevention diet.

4. Broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli sprouts are able to prevent, even reverse cancer by acting as an antioxidant that stimulates human cells to protect themselves. The radish flavor of broccoli sprouts comes from a phytochemical, which acts as a protector against free radicals. This phytochemical is there to benefit the young plant, but when eaten by humans it stimulates the protective qualities of our cells.

In 1992, a team of John Hopkins University scientist isolated a cancer fighting phytochemical in broccoli called glucoraphanin – a glucosinolate precursor of sulforaphane. This was followed by a discovery that this phytochemical is at least 20 times higher in the 3 – 4 day old broccoli sprouts versus the mature plant.

Broccoli sprouts contain a particular sequence of potent anti-cancer elements even though it actually has a lower nutritional content than the full sized broccoli. The sulforaphane, in the sprouts, work as a catalyst to boost enzymes in the body and these detoxification enzymes trigger ongoing antioxidant action for at least 72 hours.

Organic broccoli sprouts can be found in natural health food stores and broccoli seeds are readily available online. In fact, many people are now growing broccoli seeds using a jar or a commercial sprouting kit with trays. Protect your health by adding some delicious broccoli sprouts to your next meal and enjoy!

5. Cayenne Peppers 

Cayenne pepper contains Capsaicin, which is the active ingredient that sets your lips, tongue, and everything else on fire.  Turns out Capsaicin is also the ingredient that kills cancer cells, causing Apoptosis.

Cayenne is also a key ingredient in The Master Cleanse for its detox abilities.

The Hotter the Better: If you can handle the heat, Habanero Peppers contain 4-6 times more Capsaicin than Cayenne with a Scoville rating of 200,000 units.  Yeeoow!!!

Although they are generically dubbed as additives and their role is to enhance the taste and nutritional value of your food, new studies show that they do more harm than good. In spite of the fact that the public is becoming more aware of the dangers of food additives, the truth is that the manufacturers are always one step ahead of them. In other words, they are easy to mask since they make their way into your food quite effortlessly through processing, storing and packaging.

The most exposed victims to the dire consequences of additives are families that enjoy consuming mainly processed foods. Because some are more toxic than others, next time you are heading to the supermarket to shop for groceries, watch out for the following additives:

1. Artificial sweeteners

The artificial sweeteners and particularly the E951 are commonly found in foods and beverages marked as diet and sugar free. While their main function is to ensure the sweetness of some drinks and foods, the truth is that its main active ingredient, aspartame, is considered a neurotoxin and a carcinogen. In addition, it has been reported to cause the most unpleasant side effects by far. Constantly consuming foods with artificial sweeteners will affect the short-term memory, erode cognitive functions and help in the development of several lethal conditions.

2. Trans fat

Trans fats are among the most dangerous foods to consume, particularly since they are able to increase the levels of LDL while decreasing the HDL (good cholesterol). At this point, due to the threat they pose, trans fats are forbidden in certain European countries. As a consequence, people who consume deep-fried and junk food on a regular basis are more prone to suffer heart attacks, strokes, develop cardiovascular condition, increase the chances of getting diabetes and experience several other major health problems.

3. Food dyes

Even though your kids and yourself may be attracted and tempted to try that vividly colored soda or fruit juice, it is necessary to mention that recent research found food dyes are one of the causes for behavioral problems and IQ reduction in children, as well as constitute the primary factor in developing cancer. The significant side effects they stir, particularly in children, have determined several countries in Europe to ban them from their markets.

4. Sodium sulfite

While sodium sulfite has a certain role to plat in the commercial wine-making process, this is certainly a substance you want to avoid in your food. According to the FDA, one in one hundred people present moderate to severe side effects to sulfites, the most exposed category being the asthmatics. While the mild manifestation of sensitivity to sodium sulfite involves with headaches and rashes, it is important to note that severe adverse reaction include breathing problems and can lead to death.

5. E320 preservatives

The E320 additive is essentially a preservative typically found in vegetable oil, cereals, potato chips and chewing gum. The role of the E320 preservatives like BHA and BHT consists of preventing foods from changing color as well as tasting rancid. So far, studies show that these preservatives have the potential to alter a person’s behavior and, since they are oxidants, they are also known to create reactive cancer-causing compounds in the body.

Food tampering is a crime that serves time. Throughout history, some of the dumbest criminals thought of getting away with it. When caught, they faced up to 20 years in jail.

Some of these cases are horrendous. Others are jaw dropping. Let’s take a look and see who made the list. Comment if you find a different one as interesting.

1. Marvin D. Washington Jr. :

Marvin Washington was a 19 year old employee at McDonald’s in Simpsonville. He was caught on camera in April of 2012, spitting into his customers’ tea. The customers came through the drive-thru ordering two sweetened teas. When they found the teas not sweetened, they came back to reorder. Again, the same issue ensued and they went home to add their own sweetener. Once opening, they found phlegm floating and called the police. Washington now faces up to 20 years in jail.

2. Alexander and Christine Clement:

In 2010, this couple did the oddest thing in order not to pay for their Jello pudding. This scheme involved them buying the pudding, replacing the contents with sand and salt mixed together. They would then return the box to get a refund. They continued to do so in 4 grocery stores until surveillance cameras caught them. They were charged with larceny and tampering with consumer products. Both were in their 60s.

3. Joseph Cartwell:

In 2009 a former Ohio deputy was accused of giving an inmate a bologna sandwich that was rubbed against another inmate’s genitals. The man was given a $500 fine plus court fees.

4. Calgary 2010:

11 cases in 9 stores were food tampering related in Calgary in 2010. Small shards of metal were found in products such as ground beef and oranges. Shoppers have become weary, being careful about what they buy. This, however, changed little about consumer habits. A group of copycats were responsible for this commotion.

5. Tatyana Granada:

Granada was arrested on 4 separate incidents of food tampering in Oakridge Co-op in early 2010. Needles and pins were inserted into fresh food items. She was also charged for trespassing after she was banned from the co-op store after shoplifting. Her lawyer argued that Granada did not understand her ban as it was not written in Russian, her native language. She was still found guilty.

How many of us dreamed of having a food or drink we see on television or on the big screen? Many fans would pay anything and any amount to find the following things starring back at them:

1. Butterbeer:

This was first introduced in the Harry Potter book series in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and is now popular amongst fans. It is described as a drink of choice and contains a small amount of alcohol, which has a negligible effect on Witches and Wizards. Although, the so called drink is sold in the theme park, nothing compares it to the actual drink. Fans keep dreaming about what it would actually taste like.

2. Krabbie Patties

These are foods that were popularized in Sponge Bob Squarepants, the TV Show hit. The recipe is top secret and makes people like Chum Bucket want to steal it. The question many kids have relates to whether it is made of crab cakes or burger.

3. Lembas:

This was a popular food item in Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is an item which will keep you going for the whole day. It is also nutritious and tasty to have unlike those 5 hour energy drinks which are full of sugar.

4. Tomacco:

Why the need to smoke when you can create this Simpsons’ vegetable. It is created as a hybrid of the tomato and tobacco plant. In this episode, Homer accidentally planted and fertilized tomato and tobacco plants with plutonium. The fruit item had a tobacco brown centre and a red crust like a tomato. Addictive and of course can substitute smoking anytime.

5. The Big Salad:

The big salad was very popular at Monk’s during the 1990s sitcom run of Seinfeld. They even dedicated their 88th episode to it. However, what went inside this salad? What made this salad so popular that all the major characters in Seinfeld loved it? Pickle Barrel tried to mimic the salad, but it’s not the same. Similarly to the one in New York diner which gave the original idea. Both salads tasted differently.

Chocolate is a food item with lots of sugar. It can cause high cholesterol levels as well as obesity. Chocolates are, however, not people’s foes, as many think they are. There are benefits of eating chocolate. However, one must realize that they must eat the chocolate in smaller portions without overdoing it.

1.

Scientists have found that people who eat chocolate have a lower risk of getting cardiovascular diseases by 37%. This is only true for dark chocolates and people should only eat one a day.

2.

People who eat chocolate may also have a lower risk of getting diabetes by 31%.

3.

There is also a 29% chance of having fewer strokes when eating dark chocolate. The food item lowers the blood pressure which is a major source of strokes and heart attacks.

4.

You can still eat chocolates and not gain substantial weight. You can for example eat lighter lunches, which cause you to consume 250 calories less.

5.

It stimulates endorphin production, which gives you pleasure at the same time.

Thanksgiving has been referred to as the biggest eating holiday of the year. Research shows that the average American can eat as much as 4,500 calories and 229 g of fat on Thanksgiving Day. But it’s not all bad. Thanksgiving offers plenty of healthy options. Check out the nutrition ranking of each traditional Thanksgiving menu and fill your plate with the most healthy items. Be sure to stay away from these repulsive and less healthy options from the bottom of this list. Believe me, you wouldn’t want to touch any of this.

1. Ambrosia Salad:

Ambrosia salads include canned fruit, coconut, and mini marshmallows with either mayonnaise or sour cream. Many add Jello or whipped cream on top. The taste is not good, especially with the use of canned fruit.

The dish is passed down from generation to generation as a refreshing palate cleanser after a meal, but now is a tradition after the BBQ.

2. Lima Bean Stew:

This is not a bad dish for those who love beans. Lima Beans are a laxative and will cause guests who eat it to have wild bowel movements.

Did you know? Eating raw or sprouted lima beans can cause stomach cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, eating large quantities of undercooked beans can release cyanide (from cyanogenic glucosides), which can impair tissue oxygenation and cause chronic illnesses.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole:

Marshmallows are for desert mostly. I cannot understand why someone would combine them with Sweet Potato. The taste is absolutely atrocious. The sweet potatoes are already sweet, marshmallows are thus not needed.

Did You Know? Yam and Sweet Potato are two different vegetables. Sweet potatoes should not be confused with yams, another starchy root commonly grown in Western Africa. Yams are much larger in size and can grow up to 120 pounds in weight and 2 meters in length. Yams are the tropical crops and hardly grow where the temperatures dip below 68 degrees F. Important differentiating features that distinguish sweet potatoes from yams are:

4. Tofu turkey:

I cannot imagine why anyone would waste their money on a fake turkey. It beats the whole tradition of having one in the first place. Thanksgiving could be celebrated by vegetarians in other ways.

Did you know? Over 200 million turkeys were raised in the U.S. in 2012 for slaughter. Those birds were worth approximately U.S. $4.5 billion.

5. Green Bean Casserole with Canned Onions:

The dish consists of green beans, cream of mushroom soup and canned French fried onions. This should be made with fried onions which should not be canned. The taste would be much different.

Everyone experiences gas and usually purge it by belching or passing it through the rectum. Statistics show that the majority of people produce approximately 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day.

The following is a list of foods which cause gas. Gas can be easily eliminated with all the right steps. One should however remember that passing gas is normal.

1. Dairy Products:

Many people love eating dairy products. They are a source of vitamin A, D, E and K, especially milk. What people fail to realize is that dairy products create gas. This is especially the case for those who are lactose intolerant.

2. Yoga:

Yoga is a great way to relax the muscles in the body and the brain. People enjoy meditating and doing yoga to relax themselves. Yoga movements occasionally create gas which is released from the body. You may find yourself burping or farting or even both.

3. Swallowing Air:

As funny as this sound, it is true. This is referred to as aerophagia. To prevent this, people need to chew their foods and eat slowly.

4. Chewing Gum:

Not one person I asked believed me. It is true. The faster and the more you chew gum, the more likely you will be to pass gas.

5. Sugars:

Many people believe that sodas cause gas. It is actually the sugars inside the sodas that produce gas as well. The type of sugars include raffinose (i.e., beans), lactose (sugar in milk), fructose (i.e., onions, artichokes, pears, wheat), and sorbitol (i.e., fruits).

Sour cream is a dairy product which is rich in fats and is created when regular cream is fermented by certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria. The bacteria is what sours and thickens the cream. The product is used mostly as a condiment in Europe and North America. People mix it with soup, add it on pancakes and other delicious cuisine. Here are the top 10 things served with sour cream.

1. Polenta/Mamaliga:

This Romanian/Italian corn meal recipe is complimented by sour cream, feta cheese and mititei (minced meat). You can substitute mitetei with strips of chicken breast in a garlic sauce and can eat it like porridge. You can also cook it like a cake before cutting a piece and mushing it with the same ingredients.

2. Baked Potato:

Many restaurants in Europe and North America have the option of baked potato with dinner. The baked potato is traditionally served with sour cream, butter, chives and bacon (optional). Many fast food restaurants like Burger King and Wendy’s serve baked potato to add a nutritional option/substitute to their menu.

3. Pancakes/Crepes:

Those who are weight watchers and/or are diabetic can put sour cream on their pancakes/crepes. Although sour cream has less sugar, it could be more fattening. Those who vie for the option of sour creams as a topping should try the light low fat version, if presented with that option.

4. Bread:

A Russian tradition is to have a sandwich with sour cream spread on top. It could be eaten in the morning with tea or coffee and could be eaten at night before bed.

5. Soup:

European dishes are meant to be served with sour cream. Hot and Cold Red/Green Borscht, Harcho, Schi and Salianka are some examples which Europeans love to mix with sour cream. The taste is better and will add icing to the cake. You can’t eat cake without icing. It wouldn’t be the same. Similarly some soups are not the same without sour cream.

Kashrut is the body of Jewish law dealing with what foods we can and cannot eat and how those foods must be prepared and eaten on a daily basis.  ”Kashrut” comes from the Hebrew root word for Kaf-Shin-Reish, which meaning fit, proper or correct. It is the same root as the more commonly known word “kosher,” which describes food that meets these standards. The word “kosher” can also be used to describe ritual objects that are made in accordance with Jewish law and are fit for ritual use.

Contrary to popular misconception, rabbis and other religious figures do not “bless” food and cannot make it magically kosher. There are blessings that observant Jews recite over food before eating it, but these blessings have nothing to how kosher food is made. Food can be kosher without a rabbi or priest ever becoming involved with it: the vegetables from your garden are undoubtedly kosher (as long as they don’t have any bugs, which are not kosher!). However, in our modern world of processed foods, it is difficult to know what ingredients are in your food and how they were prepared, so it is helpful to have a rabbi examine the food and its ingredients and preparation and assure kosher consumers that the food is kosher.

Kosher dietary laws are observed all year round and not just during Pesach (Passover). There are additional dietary restrictions during Pesach, and many foods that are kosher for year-round use are not “kosher for Passover.” A bagel, for example, can be kosher for year-round use but is certainly not kosher for Passover!

This top 10 list focuses on food that are not kosher according to principle laws of Kashrut.

1. Pork:

The pig is not kosher because it does not ruminate and chew its cud. With the exception of a case where a Russian Rabbi made pork kosher, this law is universally kept. These laws do not prevent Jews from carrying these animals as pets for other purposes.

2. Shellfish:

All Kosher fish have to have scales and fins. All shellfish do not have the criteria to certify them to be kosher.

3. Rabbit/Hare:

Although it chews its cud, it does not have hoofs with clefts. They are thus not clean and walk on their paws; making them un-Kosher.

4. Jello:

Jello has gelatin which is a protein in the animal connective tissues. The gelatin, itself, comes from a non-kosher source such as the pig. This law is not universal, as gelatin is not defined in concrete terms. It thus depends on the Rabbi and the source of protein. Most conservative rabbis see it as kosher.

5. Catfish, Sharks, Sturgeon:

These fish do have fins but no scales. As the kosher laws require fish to have both, the three fish are not kosher. This means that black caviar (sturgeon) is not allowed for kosher consumption.

It seems that Americans are more inclined to eat cheese than drink milk. More Americans are also eating meats at an exponential level according to the Department of Agriculture in the United States. Here are statistics viewed at two different points (2000, 2005).

1. Dairy Products

2000 Statistics: 593 pounds per capita

2005 Statistics: 600 pounds per capita

2. Fresh Fruits:

2000 Statistics: 126.8 pounds per capita

2005 Statistics: 273.1 pounds per capita

3. Eggs:

2000 Statistics: 250 pounds per capita

2005 Statistics: 255.5 pounds per capita

4. Processed Vegetables:

2000 Statistics: 226.6 pounds per capita

2005 Statistics: 216.5 pounds per capita

5. Fresh Vegetables:

2000 Statistics: 201.7 pounds per capita

2005 Statistics: 198.4 pounds per capita