It’s widely known that the food we eat has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing.
Most people know that their diet can affect things like body weight, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol. However, many are unaware that diet also plays a role in cancer development, progression, prevention, etc.
Certain foods have compounds that help to protect our cells against damage, limit the spreading of cancerous cell, and even trigger death in cancerous cell.
Try including these 9 foods in your diet to fight cancer.
Berries
Berries contain antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are capable of damaging cell structures, disrupting DNA functions and causing cancer.
Berries contain other compounds that fight cancer, like anthocyanins or ellagitannins. These compounds have shown anti-tumor properties. Include more berries in your diet such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as mustard leaves, collard greens and spinach are high in vitamins and minerals essential to overall health.
These are also an excellent source of folate which has been linked to a reduced risk of cancers such as colon and breast cancer.
You can add leafy greens to your diet in other ways than salads. Try adding them to smoothies or stir-fries. Or, eat them as a side dish.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables belong to the Brassicaceae group. They are distinguished by having flowers with four petals arranged in a cross shape, thus the name. These vegetables include broccoli and cauliflower. They also include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale bok choy and arugula.
They are among the foods that contain the highest amount of nutrients. These foods contain compounds like sulforaphane, indole-3 carbinol and others. They stimulate the production detoxifying enzymes within the body which reduces the risk of cancer.
For maximum health benefits, try roasting or steaming cruciferous veggies.
Tomatoes
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes that helps prevent cancer. Other compounds, like vitamin C and potassium, help your immune system to fight diseases such as cancer.
You can easily add tomatoes to your diet if you eat them in salads, add them to soups and stews, or use them as a marinade or sauce.
Garlic
Garlic is useful in a number of ways, including for lowering blood pressure and inflammation, improving immune function and heart health, and even decreasing the risk of certain cancers .
Garlic’s cancer-fighting qualities are attributed to a compound known as allicin. This compound inhibits the growth of cancerous cells and tumors.
Garlic adds a delicious flavor to soups, stir fries, and marinated foods.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been shown to have many health benefits including its ability to fight cancer.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric. This compound has shown anti-cancer properties.
Turmeric, a spice that is common in Indian cooking, can be used to make curries, soups and stir-fries.
Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fats, which are known to prevent cancer. Salmon is a great source of vitamin D, protein and other minerals your body requires to fight cancerous cells.
Salmon can be prepared in a variety of ways, including broiled, baked or grilled. It is also possible to marinate it with different herbs.
Green Tea
Green tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that have shown anti-cancer properties. Green tea consumption has been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer.
Relaxing with a hot cup of green Tea is also a great way to unwind. This stress-reduction effect may also have immune-boosting effects.
These foods and beverages are not cancer cures, but they can give your body the ingredients it requires to fight off cancerous cells and restore your health.