When we talk about an anticancer diet, color is important.  If you have never tried dragon fruit or watermelon radishes you are in for a delectable  and beautiful surprise.   Both are powerful anticancer gems that you will want to see on your plate time and again.

Dragon Fruit.  While we are all enjoying fall produce, many of us are clamoring for juicy fruit and vibrant colors on our plates.  Given that melons and berries are not abundant locally, nor tasty right now, I ventured to try something different–dragon fruit.  Granted this comes a long way to our table, but I figured what the heck—most fruit does this time of year so why not try something new.

Dragon fruit is an exotic and delicious fruit that is of the cactus family.  It hails from Mexico, South America, and Central America, as well as Thailand and Vietnam.

If you have never tried or even heard of it, know that it is eye-catching and is loaded with power-nutrients.  The taste is a cross between kiwi and watermelon, with kiwi-like seeds. The variety I purchased was beet-red and stunning.

Dragon Fruit (also known as pitayas), is excellent for immune system health.  It’s high levels of vitamin C stimulate the activity of other antioxidants as they seek out and eliminate free radicals—which are linked to the development of cancer.

The seeds in dragon fruit are also high in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that can help reduce triglycerides and cardio issues.  Compounds in dragon fruit can also help with the removal of toxic heavy metals and protect eyesight.  Dragon fruit is high in lycopene, which can lower the risk of prostate and other cancers.  In particular, studies have shown that compounds in dragon fruit inhibit CP450 forms, which are key enzymes in cancer formation.

Dragon fruit is also loaded with B vitamins, specifically, B2, B3 and B3, so it supports health blood pressure, skin health, cholesterol levels, and thyroid function. It also aids with digestion, facilitating smooth passage and alleviating constipation. This and the high fiber content in general can help lower your risk of colorectal cancer.

Wash the outer skin, cut into quarters and peel back the skin. Eat it sliced or in chucks, in smoothies or grilled on kebabs.

Watermelon Radishes

If you have never eaten a watermelon radish you are in for a wonderful delight. You can find these now at your local farmer’s market. On the outside they look a bit like a turnip.  But when sliced, you will see the vibrant watermelon-like flesh, hence the name. Milder that the average radish, they can be enjoyed so many ways.  We love them sliced and sprinkled with fine Celtic sea salt or as a ‘cracker’ for cheese or dip.

Being a member of the cruciferous family,  radishes have potent anti-cancer properties. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, offering some protection from cancer by scavenging harmful free radicals, lowering inflammation, and boosting immunity. They are rich in sulforaphane, which has been shown to be effective against cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, and many others. Studies show that sulforaphane inhibits cancer cell growth and is cyto-toxic to cancer cells.

Radishes are natural detoxifiers that help to manage environmental and natural toxins such as estrogen.  Studies have found that radishes can also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol as well.

Radishes also contain phytochemicals like indoles which are detoxifying agents, as well as zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta carotene, which are flavonoid antioxidants. They are also good sources of folate, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, thiamin, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, and calcium.

You might also want to consider purple radishes, which are even milder than watermelon radishes and are equally nutritionally beneficial.

Don’t forget to visit my Shop page for supplement advice–most of the recommendations can be found locally, but for your convenience, links to resources are provided. Supplements are essential for optimal health as well as to improve the efficacy of conventional and alternative treatments. Supplements can also help to protect the body from some of the harmful effects of conventional treatment. You will also find resources for improving sleep, EMF protection, and more. Visit my website or the articles below for natural alternatives to Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors should you feel such therapies are not right for you.

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~
Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make better, healthier, non-toxic choices. She emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the root cause of cancer and not just its presenting symptoms (such as the tumor). Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. She brings a plethora of knowledge to her practice and will help you think outside the box so you can incorporate every lifeline you may need for long term survival. Elyn is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and was creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. She is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Contact Elyn via her website. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone or in person.

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