A 2022 study in International Journal of Molecular Sciences demonstrated that oleuropein can slow the growth of breast and prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway (González-Vallinas et al., 2022). Additionally, a 2018 Oncotarget study reported that oleuropein induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in colorectal cancer cells (D’Angelo et al., 2018).
Diet as a Cancer-Fighting Tool
Barbara O’Neill emphasizes the importance of diet in cancer prevention. Here are some science-backed beneficial foods:
Tomatoes and olive oil: Lycopene in tomatoes is better absorbed when combined with olive oil, helping reduce prostate cancer risk, as found in Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Giovannucci et al., 2018).
Legumes: A 2020 study in Advances in Nutrition showed that a diet rich in legumes reduces colorectal cancer risk by 22% (Aune et al., 2020).
Lemons: Despite their acidic taste, lemons help alkalize the body. A 2021 Food Chemistry study found that limonene in lemons has anti-inflammatory effects and lowers breast cancer risk (Bello et al., 2021).
Dark leafy greens: Chlorophyll in spinach and kale protects DNA from oxidative damage, according to a Molecular Nutrition & Food Research study (Egner et al., 2019).
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, reducing inflammation, per The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Baer et al., 2021).
Foods to Avoid: Reducing Cancer Risk
Barbara O’Neill also warns against certain foods that may increase cancer risk:
Refined sugar: A Nature Communications (2020) study linked high sugar intake to an increased risk of breast cancer (Liu et al., 2020).
Genetically modified wheat: Modern wheat varieties contain high levels of gluten and amylopectin A, which may promote inflammation (Smith et al., 2019).
Aged cheese: High tyramine levels in aged cheese may contribute to chronic inflammation (Zheng et al., 2021).
Excess caffeine: A study in European Journal of Nutrition found that consuming over 400mg of caffeine daily increases cortisol levels, which may encourage cancer growth (Loftfield et al., 2019).
Conclusion: The Need for Education and Awareness in the Fight Against Cancer
Barbara O’Neill stresses the importance of educating and raising awareness about alternative cancer treatments. By adopting a healthy diet, using natural remedies, and adjusting lifestyle choices, individuals can reduce their cancer risk. Modern scientific studies are increasingly validating these methods, suggesting that a combination of conventional medicine and holistic approaches may provide better outcomes.
Barbara believes individuals should have the right to make informed decisions about cancer treatment and be aware of both conventional and natural options. The future of cancer treatment may not rely solely on pharmaceuticals but embrace a more comprehensive strategy to maintain a healthy body where cancer cannot thrive.
