Oils and Fats

A crucial factor in the prevention and treatment of cancer and all degenerative diseases is the avoidance of fats that cause massive free-radical production: margarine, shortening, and polyunsaturated cooking and salad oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, soy, and others. The best quality oils are contained in whole foods. In the case of cancer, however, a daily teaspoon of oleic-rich oils -- either extra virgin olive or unrefined sesame -- is acceptable as an option, and these should not be heated above 240°F. According to studies cited in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, oleic acids seem to have tumor-inhibiting effects, although to a lesser extent than GLA and omega-3 sources.

Nuts and oil-rich seeds need to be used carefully because of their high oil and protein content. Those with cancer do better in general without foods rich in oil or fat. If nuts are craved, only the almond is thought to have some value in cancer, and only if not overeaten -- a safe limit is usually six almonds daily (must be pre-soaked). Peanuts must be avoided because they often contain the carcinogenic compound aflatoxin, and they also retard general metabolism. In Chinese medicine, the peanut is contraindicated wherever there is stagnancy or dampness.

However, there are several major exceptions among oil-bearing seeds. One of the most important is flax seed, because of its immune-enhancing omega-3 content. Flax is also one of the best sources of vegetable lignins; these compounds have antitumor, antiestrogenic, and antioxidant properties. Thus flax appears to have value in treating cancer in general, but particularly colon and breast cancers because the cells of these cancers, which have estrogen receptors, so can be inhibited by the antiestrogenic compounds in lignins. A daily dose of 2 tablespoons is recommended.

In some respects similar to the omega-3-rich oils, the GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) oils (according to evidence cited earlier in Oils and Fats) may also strengthen immunity and be useful against cancer. Although GLA and omega-3 oils have certain effects in common, they function differently in the body; it is wisest to include both oils in the diet for treating cancer and, when indicated, for other degenerative diseases. Once significant regeneration has been attained, GLA no longer needs to be taken because the liver will be healed sufficiently to form it from common linoleic fatty acids. However, flaxseed or its fresh oil should be continued at an immunoprotective dosage of half that given above -- the omega-3, alpha-linolenic fatty acids of flax are essential fatty acids in short supply in most modern foods, and cannot be synthesized in the body from other fatty acids.