Include these seeds and herbs in your diet to combat lymphoma

Antioxidants are molecules in the body that fight free radicals present in the human system. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body. They are one of the causes of cancer. The human body has its antioxidant defense to keep free radicals in control. However, antioxidants are also found in food, especially in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based whole foods. Vitamins E and C are effective antioxidants. The body also needs free radicals to fight infections. There should be a certain balance of free radicals and antioxidants. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants it is called a state of oxidative stress. Continued oxidative stress can damage your DNA and other molecules, and can even lead to cell death. Damage to DNA increases your risk of cancer.

There are numerous benefits of including seeds in your diet. As they are high in antioxidants, they help fight against lymphoma. Some of the highly beneficial seeds that should be included in one’s diet to fight lymphoma are:

Sunflower seeds
A quarter cup of sunflower seeds provides you with ninety percent of your RDI of Vitamin E. RDI refers to reference daily intake of nutrients, and the amount provided by sunflower seeds is considered to be sufficient to meet the requirements of 97 to 98% of healthy individuals. Vitamin E ranks high in nutrients that help fight free radicals and it has high anti-inflammatory properties as well. Sunflower seeds also offer a crunchy and tasty flavor. Spread them on toast, baked items, cereal, and salads. You can have them as a separate snack as they are available in roasted and flavored varieties.

Flax seeds
Flax seeds, also known as linseeds, are a significant source of Omega-3 fats and are great antioxidants. The antioxidant properties of flax seeds are due to the variety of polyphenols present in them. You can add powdered flax seeds to porridge, cereal, cakes, and salads. Flax seeds have a slightly pungent after taste, so make sure you powder it very finely.

Chia seeds
They are similar to flax seeds. As they are smaller they need not be powdered. You can add these antioxidant-rich seeds to cereals and smoothies. They can be consumed directly too as they don’t leave a bad after taste in the mouth.

Several herbs are considered effective in treating lymphoma. Some of the herbs are:

Parsley
Parsley has been used in traditional medicines to treat tumors, and the tea was used to treat cancer. The roots, seeds, and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are used widely. Various studies have proved that parsley stops the growth and spread of lymphoma cancer cells. The compounds in parsley help to shut down some enzymes called Epithelial growth factors, which are responsible for the growth and spread of cancer. Parsley can be added to salads, soups, and baked dishes.

Licorice
Licorice root is used in certain countries to treat cancer. It produces steroid-like effects in the body, which helps lymphoma patients gain weight. It also inhibits the growth of lymphoma. You can chew licorice root or you can make a licorice tea and have it with honey. Licorice lozenges are a great option, and can be made at home by boiling and mashing licorice and drying it. They can then be cut into small squares before it hardens.

Milk thistle

Milk thistle is a great detoxification herb. It cleanses the system and inhibits the growth of free radicals in the body. Try to consume at least 80 to 150 mg of milk thistle. The leaves and flowers of milk thistle can be used in salads.