The cases of cancer are on rise and cancer hospitals are crowded. A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet can help combat the risk of cancer. Numerous researches have been conducted and many scientific studies are going on to find the best anti cancer foods.
Health specialists advise to add foods that may help prevent cancer in our diet and avoid fast foods, alcohol, processed food items, red meats and drinks with high sugar content.
The global health problem can be curbed by making lifestyle changes. Healthy diet is the first step to lower the risk of cancer. Top cancer fighting foods may protect cells against the oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Let's know about the best foods that may help lower the risk of cancer and make them a part of our healthy diet.
These foods can also be added to the diet of cancer patients, especially those going through radiotherapy and chemotherapy, after consulting the oncologist or a dietician.
Best Anti Cancer Foods
We are mentioning below some of the best anti cancer foods which can help provide great health benefits:
Berries: Berry Good Health Benefits
Berries are on top of the list of foods to eat to prevent cancer. Blueberries, raspberries and cranberries are believed to have cancer preventing capabilities due to their phytochemicals and antioxidant properties.
A research shows that berries have a compound called cyanidin (read the published research here: Scientific Reports). This compound has shown to decrease the activity of cancer-causing genes and increase the function of anti-cancer genes.
The study was conducted by a team of researches from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Eastern Finland in collaboration with National Institute on Aging in the United States.
The study was aimed at studying impacts of anthocyanins on an enzyme implicated in cancer and aging. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring pigments in berries. The study shows that anthocyanins increase the function of the sirtuin 6 enzyme in cancer cells.
Adding different types of berries to your diet can be a berry good idea to stay healthy!
Blueberries Overnight Oats Recipe
Foods That Prevent Cancer
Turmeric: The Golden Spice
Turmeric, the golden spice is on top of the list of foods that prevent cancer. It is known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Several studies show promising results of turmeric's anticancer effects due to the presence of curcumin, an active ingredient in it.
Curcumin has shown positive results in several clinical tests to fight cancer cells and curb their growth. It is found that it may be effective in prostate, lung, colon and breast cancers. Further studies are required to establish turmeric as one of the top cancer fighting foods.
Turmeric is a healthy food and you must add it to your diet.
Fresh Turmeric Pickle Recipe
Foods To Eat To Prevent Cancer
Red or Purple Cabbage: Add To Your Diet
Purple cabbage is also on the list of foods to eat to prevent cancer.
The purple or red cabbage can reduce inflammation and is rich in antioxidants. It is beneficial in protecting against cell damage. It contains Vitamins C, K, B6 and A. It is also rich in anthocyanins and a sulphur compound known as sulforaphane. Both compounds have been researched to have cancer fighting properties in cell and animal studies.
More researches need to be performed, especially on humans to establish purple cabbage as one of the cancer preventing foods.
You can add it to your diet to help protect you against a few types of cancers. If you are a cancer patient, you can consult your dietician to ensure your diet plan includes this powerful vegetable.
Purple Cabbage and Avocado Salad Recipe
Top Cancer Fighting Foods
Avocado: Rich In Nutrition
An avocado is also on the list of top cancer fighting foods as studies have shown that monosaturated fats and phytochemicals in the fruit may prevent certain types of cancers.
Apart from monosaturated fats, avocados are a rich source of various vitamins and minerals. Avocados have proteins, fibres, Vitamins K, C, E, B1, B2, B6, B9, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Not to forget omega-3 fatty acids, beta carotene and lutein.
Some researches have shown that phytochemicals in avocados may inhibit cancer cells selectively. Monosaturated fatty acids in the fruit may protect against a few types of cancers such as cervical, colon, prostrate, stomach and pancreatic cancers.
Foods To Eat To Avoid Cancer
Broccoli: Power Of Phytochemicals
Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, cartenoids (zeaxanthin, beta carotene and lutein), folate, glucosinolates, flavonols and dietary fibre. Broccoli is also on the list of foods to eat to avoid cancer. A phytochemical called sulforaphane is found in broccoli and many green vegetables. Researches have been done to show that this sulphur based nutrient may help protect us against cancer.
Antioxidants in broccoli helps in getting rid of free radicals that damage healthy cells in our body. Sulforaphane can neutralize toxins and reduce inflammation. Few studies have been performed which show that sulforaphane may block mutations in DNA that results in cancer. It may slow down the tumor growth curbing cancer's spread to the other body parts.
Reap health benefits by adding anti cancer foods mentioned in the article to your diet and live a healthy life.
Note: Soak fruits and vegetables in baking soda water (add 1tsp baking soda per cup of water) for 15 minutes and then wash with clean water. This will clean the produce, removing microbes and pesticides.
Disclaimer: The article is based on general information regarding the immunity-boosting ability of these foods. Please consult a medical professional before starting any treatment.
