The food you choose to eat daily can be risk factors for developing some kinds of cancer. But there’s no need to be fearful. What this means is you can have some control over your cancer risk. Here are 10 cancer-fighting foods you can add to your diet to maximize your chance of having healthy, long life.
10. Whole Grains
Antioxidants are important in cancer prevention, and you’ll find plenty of them in whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa. And not just that, because whole grains are also rich in fiber. A high-fiber diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial in reducing cancer risk.
9. Carrots
A study conducted in Denmark confirmed that raw intake of carrots, around 2 to 4 or more each week, led to the decrease of risk in colorectal cancer. Carrots contain a plant chemical called falcarinol, which has an inhibitory effect on cancer. This chemical is also found in parsley, parsnip, celery, and other veggies, but only when raw.
8. Turmeric
Also known as curcumin, turmeric has the potential to slow down the growth of cancer cells. Laboratory studies and animal research have confirmed this, with some experts citing that turmeric could enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to treatments like chemotherapy. Turmeric is also known to reduce inflammation, which is often a root cause for many diseases including cancer.
7. Soy
The myth about soy raising the risk of cancer has been debunked. In fact, it’s the other way around. High soy intake can reduce the risk of prostate, lung, and breast cancer, per recent studies. Traditional soy foods like edamame, miso, and tofu are excellent sources of protein and great alternatives to red or processed meats, which can increase cancer risk.
6. Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, putting the breaks on cell signals that promote cancer development. The same can be said for other nuts like almonds, pine nuts, and hazelnuts. Walnuts, however, are a rich source of gamma-tocopherol and tocotrienols, which are forms of vitamin E that can potentially decrease cancer cell growth.
5. Garlic
Garlic isn’t just good for blood pressure management. It’s also powerful in lowering the risk of colorectal cancer. It does so in many ways: repairing DNA, decreasing inflammation, and slowing the growth of cancer cells. Garlic is also packed with phytochemicals with cancer-fighting properties, including flavonoids, saponins, and inulin.
4. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, and cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Further research suggests that spinach also has the ability to improve gut health, repress the development of colon polyps, and lower the overall risk of getting colon cancer.
3. Salmon
A vitamin D-rich food like salmon deserves a spot on your plate on a regularly basis. This is because low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to some kinds of cancer, including breast and colon. It’s possible that with enough vitamin D, you can block the proliferation of precancerous and cancerous cells.
2. Berries
Berries are also antioxidant-rich foods, protecting your body from cell damage that could lead to cancers of the lung, bladder, and esophagus. Blueberry, in particular, carries the most potent antioxidants, and has the ability to improve eye, brain, and heart health, in addition to reducing cancer risk.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli contains a powerful phytochemical called sulforaphane. This cancer-fighting plant compound has been linked to reduced risk in cancers of prostate, colon, and breast. Broccoli is also packed with glucosinolates that prevent cancer enzymes, along with many other beneficial components like vitamin C, fiber, folate, and carotenoids.