5. Soursop
Soursop, also known as graviola or guanábana, is a tropical fruit with a spiny green exterior and soft, tangy-sweet flesh. It is native to Central and South America and is prized not only for its delicious taste but also for its powerful anti-cancer properties.
1. Acetogenins: Potent Cancer-Fighting Compounds
- Researchers at the Tepic Institute of Technology in Mexico discovered that soursop contains acetogenins, compounds with strong chemotherapeutic properties.
- Acetogenins work by inhibiting cancer cell energy production, making it difficult for tumors to grow and spread (24).
2. Soursop vs. Chemotherapy: A 10,000x Stronger Effect?
- A Journal of Natural Products (1996) study found that Compound 1 (one of five extracted from soursop seeds) was selectively cytotoxic to colon cancer cells (HT-29) and was 10,000 times more potent than adriamycin, a toxic chemotherapy drug (25).
- Unlike chemotherapy, which harms both healthy and cancerous cells, soursop’s compounds have been found to target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
3. Breast Cancer and Soursop Extract
- In 2011, another study revealed promising results for graviola and breast cancer.
- Researchers found that graviola fruit extract (GFE) suppressed oncogene (cancer-causing gene) expression in both cell and animal models of breast cancer (26).
How to Use Soursop for Anti-Cancer Benefits
While fresh soursop is difficult to find in North America, Asian food markets sometimes carry it.
- Fresh fruit: If available, eat the fruit as-is or blend it into smoothies.
- Soursop tea: Brew dried leaves to create an antioxidant-rich tea.
- Supplements: Graviola extract capsules are available, but sourcing from reputable brands is essential.
6. Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms are among the most potent natural remedies for cancer prevention and treatment. Chaga, reishi, and shiitake are some of the most well-studied mushrooms known for their strong anti-cancer properties.
Chaga: A Powerful Antioxidant for Cellular Protection
- Chaga mushrooms have one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values, meaning they are exceptionally rich in antioxidants.
- Studies have confirmed chaga’s cancer-fighting potential, showing that it protects cells against DNA damage (27).
- A review in 3 Biotech found that chaga induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human colon cancer cells (28).
Reishi: The “Mushroom of Immortality” for Cancer Defense
- Reishi has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries as a natural cancer treatment.
- Research has shown that reishi inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis (29).
- It is rich in polysaccharides and triterpenoids, compounds that:
- Defend DNA from damage
- Stop cell mutations
- Support immune function to target cancer cells
- Studies have found reishi effective in fighting breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, and lung cancer (30).
Shiitake: Beta-Glucans for Immune Support
- Shiitake mushrooms contain a powerful beta-glucan called lentinan, which has been studied for its ability to suppress leukemia cell proliferation (31).
- Lentinan has also been shown to enhance immune system activity, helping the body recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
How to Use Medicinal Mushrooms for Anti-Cancer Benefits
First and foremost, when sourcing your mushrooms, always choose products that have “whole fruit body”. If it says it includes myceliated substrate (‘Myceliated grain’ is the unique ingredient formed when mushroom mycelium consumes and converts a grain substrate through a fermentation process), then it is essentially fake.
The most popular way to use medicinal mushrooms is via supplement form or teas. Chaga is often boiled down into a dark brew, while the same can be done with reishi. Shiitake mushrooms are more easily digestible and can be consumed cooked in food like stir-fries or pizza.
7. Ginger: A Potent Anti-Cancer Super Root
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is widely known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its cancer-fighting potential is just as impressive. This root contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, and paradol, which have been shown to inhibit tumor growth, induce cancer cell apoptosis, and suppress metastasis (32).
