In a recent study published in Cancer Letters, American University researchers shows that, as body mass index increases, so does the growth and spread of the blood cancer multiple myeloma, which accounts for about 10 percent of all blood cancers in patients. They further added that by incorporating simple changes in daily lifestyle, like, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising frequently one can lower blood proteins that are associated with promoting cancer development and other diseases.
What is Angiogenesis?
Talking in simple terms, Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessels formation from existing vessels with constant supply of oxygen and nutients. Generally, it’s a good thing, but in the case of tumors, angiogenesis can be negative, feeding the cancer and advancing it.
“Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the growth and spread of cancer. A blood supply is necessary for tumors to grow beyond a few millimeters in size. Tumors can cause this blood supply to form by giving off chemical signals that stimulate angiogenesis. Tumors can also stimulate nearby normal cells to produce angiogenesis signaling molecules. The resulting new blood vessels “feed” growing tumors with oxygen and nutrients, allowing the cancer cells to invade nearby tissue, to move throughout the body, and to form new colonies of cancer cells, called metastases.” (cancer.gov)
There are many foods that contain naturally occurring inhibitors of angiogenesis. When these foods are consumed and absorbed into the blood stream, the inhibitors act to boost the body’s existing system that suppresses undesirable angiogenesis that can promote or accompany disease.
The human body is well versed to control angiogenesis by producing a precise balance of growth and inhibitory factors in healthy tissues. When this balance is disturbed, the result is either too much or too little angiogenesis. Abnormal blood vessel growth, either excessive or insufficient, is now recognized as a “common denominator” underlying many deadly and debilitating conditions, including cancer, skin diseases, age-related blindness, diabetic ulcers,cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many others.
Foods that contain anti-angiogenic properties and work to cut off cancer tumours from blood supplies, include: Anti-Angiogenic Diet.
- Green tea
- Grapes
- Kale
- Berries
- Citrus fruits
- Turmeric
- Parsley
- Olive and grape seed oils
- Dark chocolate
- Garlic
- Lavender
- Apples
- Pineapple
- Cherries
- Red grapes
- Red wine
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Soybeans
- Ginseng
- Mushroom
- Liquorice
- Nutmeg
- Artichokes
- Pumpkin
- Sea cucumber
- Tuna
- Tomato
According to Catherine Duggan, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center ” Preventing angiogenesis can prevent tumor cell growth. Also, weight loss the healthy way (diet & exercise) is a safe and effective method of improving the angiogenic profile in healthy individuals.” The study shows that making lifestyle changes – in this case, simple changes to the diet to reduce weight – can lower the risk factors for cancer.