Cancer-Fighting Super Greens
**Disclaimer: This post contains links to affiliate products.
Written by Kendall Preston. She is an undergraduate student at UNCW, and is a Public Health intern at Going Beyond the Pink.
Nutrition is one of the 4 major pillars of health and wellness.
When a breast cancer diagnosis makes everything in life feel out of control, one thing you can take back control of is your nutrition and diet. You can choose to make healthy choices and listen to what your body is telling you it needs more often. One great way to put this into action is to include more plant-based foods, particularly leafy green veggies in your diet.
“Super Greens” are a great way to pack a ton of nutrition into your diet with very little effort.
These 4 super greens will assist in boosting the health of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and breast cancer survivors.
**Before making any changes to or adding anything new to your diet, remember to talk with your doctor to make sure it’s safe to do so. Disclaimer that even naturally occurring supplements can be contraindicated with your existing medication and medical conditions.
Spirulina
Spirulina is actually a type of algae. It has a blue-green color, the pigment of which are actually protein molecules. These molecules have anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants within them that will help those who are battling cancer. This means spirulina can assist in preventing tumors and tumor growth before and after treatment according to Translational Cancer Research. This algae also is an immune system booster that will help when the body is weak. Overall, spirulina can assist in aiding high blood pressure, promoting detoxing, balancing cholesterol and symptoms from allergies.
Spirulina is commonly available in powder form but can also be purchased as a tablet too. Check out the linked spirulina tablets and powders to pack a super-greens punch in your diet.
2. Chlorella
Chorella is another type of algae, but this one specializes in helping with oxygenation in the blood . Chlorella is a good source of omega -3 fatty acids and is known to promote a better quality of life in breast cancer patients. Chorella helps fight against the effects of radiation and removes radioactive particles ultimately negating the side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. This means it is not a supplement to be used during treatment but might help after; as usual, you should talk to your doctor before adding or subtracting anything from your diet during treatment.
Chorella is commonly available in powder form but can also be purchased as a tablet too. Check out these Chorella tablets and powders to pack a super-greens punch in your diet.
An important note: Avoid Chollera IF you have iodine sensitivity or mold sensitivity.
3. Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the pigment that makes plants green. Most people consume chlorophyll through green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, asparagus, and broccoli, but you can boost your chlorophyll intake through supplements as well. In relation to cancer, it is found to slow cancer growth and kill tumor cells. The benefits of chlorophyll range from promoting wound healing, to preventing wounds, acne, and body odor.
Take recommended doses or less, because Chlorophyll can be very strong. This is available in liquid drops you can add in to things like smoothies or even water!
4. Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is filled with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and (as previously mentioned) chlorophyll. Wheatgrass is rich in antioxidants which are beneficial in supporting your body's ability to detox. Cancer cells thrive off of oxygen-deprived cells according to the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, and the ingredients in wheatgrass oxygenate the blood. Wheatgrass is also known to help with sleep and energy.
Wheatgrass is commonly available in powder form but can also be purchased as a daily antioxidant shot too. Check out this variety of Wheatgrass supplements to boost your consumption of healthy greens!
Do you think you can add some super greens to your diet?
With many harmful substances in your body, replenishing and supplying beneficial substances is very important. Consider if any of these products would enhance the way you live and assist in maintaining your health and energy. With this blog comes a better understanding of super greens that can be added to your diet to help promote healthy habits. As always, talk with your doctor to see if any of these super-greens would be beneficial to your lifestyle and diet. Add some green to your day!