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10 herbs and spices that may help with cancer prevention and management

Health
10 herbs and spices that may help with cancer prevention and management

According to reports, cancer affected around 439 per 100,000 individuals in our country in 2019. But on the bright side, many survived the condition. This suggests that while cancer is a significant health concern, timely diagnosis and advanced treatment can help patients recover. Besides doctor-recommended therapies, a healthy lifestyle and nutrition plan is essential when dealing with the condition. Here are some herbs and spices that may help prevent and manage cancer:

Turmeric
Turmeric does more than just flavoring one’s food to perfection. Curcumin, the component that facilitates its bright-yellow color, is a potent antioxidant that may slow the spread of cancer cells in the body. It does this by helping destroy the blood vessels that feed cancer cells. Thanks to this property, turmeric complements cancer treatments like chemotherapy. It may be added to gravies, soups, smoothies, and stir-fries. Turmeric milk or tea is also emerging as a popular beverage.

Garlic
This allium vegetable helps prevent cancer cells from growing new blood vessels and facilitates their death. S-allyl cysteine, an organosulfur compound present in garlic, is shown to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells. Reports from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) also indicate that garlic is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Garlic butter is an appealing way of incorporating this spice into one’s meals. Alternatively, finely chopped or crushed garlic may be added to stir-fries, gravies, and soups.

Basil
As per research findings, this flavorful herb is loaded with flavonoids that may protect against cancer. It also contains several antioxidants and bioactive compounds, instrumental in fighting cancer cells. Basil is an excellent seasoning ingredient in bread preparations and soups. The aromatic leaves of this plant may also be consumed raw.

Ginger
Due to the presence of gingerols, ginger may have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines in the human body. Studies have also shown that the combination of ginger and lemon can inhibit cancer cell growth. Chopped or julienned ginger may be incorporated into gravies, stir-fries, curries, and other dishes. Crushed ginger added to warm tea is also popular for taste and nutrition.

Oregano
Carvacrol, a molecule in oregano, acts as a natural disinfectant. It can prevent the spread of cancer cells and control the formation of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that may increase one’s susceptibility to the disease. Oregano is a popular seasoning in preparations like pizza, pasta, and noodles.

Caraway
Some studies have shown that caraway, or meridian fennel, is a potent antioxidant that may help curb the spread of cancer. It protects the body from attacks by free radicals and can reduce the growth of cancer cells in the body. Caraway seeds are extremely flavorful. They can be used to enliven homemade dishes or consumed raw after meals to aid digestion.

Cinnamon
Besides having therapeutic effects on the body, cinnamon is shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and facilitate their death. It is often used as a flavoring ingredient in tea. Some also powder the spice and add it to smoothies, shakes, porridge, and juices.

Cloves
Cloves are rich in betulinic acid and other triterpenes, which can act as chemopreventive agents against breast cancer. The spice has also been shown to inhibit molecules that promote the onset of other cancers. It is commonly used in its powdered or crushed form in gravies, soups, smoothies, and tea.

Cayenne pepper
This powerful spice contains capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant that kills cancer cells. It is particularly proven useful in reversing prostate cancer. A dash of cayenne pepper in soups can uplift its flavor considerably. It can also be sprinkled over scrambled or boiled eggs or added to lemonade for a refreshing beverage.

Cardamom
Studies have shown that cardamom powder can increase the activity of enzymes that aid in cancer prevention. It may also act as a natural chemotherapeutic agent, enhancing the effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. Cardamom-flavored tea is a popular way of consuming this condiment.

Besides eating healthy foods and incorporating these spices and herbs into one’s meals, staying physically active and avoiding processed foods can help with cancer prevention and remediation. The key is to follow the treatment course recommended by oncologists, besides adopting a healthy lifestyle during and post treatment.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
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It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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