Based in Tijuana, Oasis of Hope provides a combination of alternative care and conventional allopathic treatment for cancer in its various stages. One of the foundations of the Oasis of Hope protocol (designed by Dr. Francisco Contreras) centers around healthy dietary habits.
These habits are exemplified by a Mediterranean diet that is low in fat and rich in legumes and healthy oils. Such a diet also includes the carotenoids that are present in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Carotenoids are pigments found in algae and plants. They are easily identified, as they provide the bright red, yellow, and orange hues in growing things. Common examples include oranges, mangoes, cantaloupe, and bell peppers. There are two major groups within carotenoids: carotenes and xanthophylls. Both of these have beneficial antioxidant properties. Associated with eye health, xanthophylls have a yellower pigment and provide protection from excess sunlight. Carotene-rich foods tend to be orange, and some may be converted by the body into vitamin A, which is essential for growth and immune protection.
In addition to protecting healthy eye cells, carotenoid-rich foods help reduce inflammation and boost the body’s protective cells. This can be essential when battling cancer, as carotenoids are positively associated with lowered skin and lung cancer risks.
