Ginger
Next to turmeric, ginger is one of the world's most potent cancer-fighting spices. It's been widely regarded for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. One study conducted at Georgia State University, used whole ginger extract to reveal that prostate cancer tumors were able to shrink by 56 percent in mice. The anti-cancer properties were noted as well as ginger's ability to reduce inflammation and be rich in antioxidants.
Ginger's active component is gingerol. This ingredient is responsible for ginger's distinctive flavor, and it may also inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells and promote apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells.
More: Health Benefits of Ginger
Cinnamon
Just a half of a teaspoon a day can keep cancer risk away. Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. Cinnamon can be useful in reducing tumor growth by blocking the formation of new vessels in the human body.
A 2010 Korean study showed that cinnamon extract was able to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer in laboratory cells with various types of cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, cervical and colorectal cancer. Mice that had melanoma were given cinnamon orally and results showed that the cinnamon again inhibited tumor growth. Keep in mind that taking large doses of cinnamon over a long period of time is not recommended.
Always purchase herbs and spices organically. Sixty percent of the spices we find at the grocery stores are imported. Our government requires that all spices be sterilized before they appear on grocery store shelves. The processes are fumigation, irradiation and steaming. Buying only organic herbs and spices, you can rest assured that you'll get only what you want: clean, healthy, nourishing foods.
Add small amounts of cancer-fighting herbs and spices to your daily meals. As Hippocrates said, "Let food be thy medicine."
Want more? Read 10 Foods That Prevent Cancer
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