If you want to lower your risk of cancer, an anti-cancer diet may be of great aid.
Research is continuously discovering and proving which foods able to reduce the risk of cancer and that they’re a crucial part of anti-cancer nutrition.
Although consuming these foods isn’t a 100 percent guarantee that you’ll remain cancer-free, they can certainly contribute to lower risk or help you if you’re recovering from cancer.
Below, check out the cancer-fighting that we can all benefit from by adding to our diets.
Anti-Cancer Diet: Foods That You Should Consume to Prevent Cancer
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant present in tomatoes. It’s been linked with protection from certain types of cancer like lung and prostate cancer.
However, to get this antioxidant and increase its availability, you need to consume cooked tomatoes.
- Fatty fish
Fish like tuna, herring, and salmon are rich in omega 3s, fatty acids linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Flaxseed is another great source of omega 3s, especially if you follow a fish-free diet.
- Garlic and onion
These two plants may stop nitrosamine formation.
These potent carcinogens target specific organs like the breasts, colon, and liver.
The higher the pungency of garlic and onion, the more active sulfur compounds they contain. These compounds are key in averting cancer.
- Grapes
Grapes, especially red grapes, are rich in activin, a super antioxidant.
It’s also present in red wine and red-grape juice and may provide protection from specific types of cancer, heart illness, and other degenerative diseases.
- Cruciferous veggies
Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage may help in the fight against cancer. The components they contain may offer protection from free radicals which can damage the DNA of cells.
By consuming them, you may slow down tumor growth and encourage cancerous cells’ death.
- Green tea
This plant’s leaves contain catechins that may avert cancer in several ways, including protection from free radicals.
According to studies done with lab animals, the catechins from green tea may decrease the size of tumors and prevent their growth.
- Whole grains
The American Institute for Cancer Research notes that whole grains are rich in fiber and antioxidants that may lower the risk of cancer.
In a study done with almost half a million participants, consuming a higher amount of whole grains may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.
Some excellent whole grain foods to add to your diet are brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and oatmeal.
- Leafy greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts, etc. are rich in beta-carotene and lutein, powerful antioxidants.
Studies have found that they may help in the fight against cancer and reduce the growth of certain types of tumors.
- Turmeric
This spice, a popular option in Indian cuisine, is rich in curcumin, a compound that possesses anti-cancer properties.
The American Cancer Society notes that curcumin may impede some types of cancerous cells in lab studies. It also slowed down the growth of cancer.
Sources:
