The Top 15 Foods that Fight Cancer
Cancer is a disease
that touches almost everyone in one way or another. According to the World
Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world.
But, despite its prevalence, there are many ways to fight cancer. Diet and
lifestyle are some of the most important factors in preventing and treating
cancer. In this article, we will discuss the top ten foods that fight cancer.
These 15 foods are all beneficial for overall health and can help to prevent
or treat cancer.
Fighting cancer is something that we all hope to do, and one of the best ways to do that is by eating the right foods. There are many different foods that have been shown to fight cancer, and in this article, we will look at the fifteen best.
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, collard greens, and kale are types of cruciferous plants, also called the cabbage family or brassica family, surrounded by a long list of health benefits common to these vegetables. They may also reduce the risk of cancer of the colon.
2. Green Tea
Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, which is anti-cancer. Japan produces the best green tea. It has been identified as a cancer cell destroyer.
Early clinical studies suggest that polyphenols found in tea, particularly green tea, may play an important role in cancer prevention. Polyphenols are also thought to help cancerous cells die and stop them from growing, according to researchers.
3. Black coffee
According to the National Cancer
Institute, drinking two cups of coffee per day can reduce cancer risk by 20
percent. Coffee contains antioxidants, which help prevent self-damaging free
radicals. As such, antioxidants can decrease the risk of cancer.
Free radicals are produced when the body burns
oxygen and energy and antioxidants block the damage resulting from these
unstable molecules.
"Coffee reduces the incidence of many cancers, the most important of which are liver cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and uterine cancer in women.
4. Dark green Vegetables
This category of vegetables generally overlaps the cruciferous family and includes Swiss chard, spinach, and beets (by virtue of the leaves, but the red root is healthy, too). These vegetables contain powerful antioxidants, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which can block early cancer development.
5. Ginger and Turmeric
Turmeric, the spice that forms
the base of most curries, comes from a root in the ginger family. The active
ingredient is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can
slow or kill cancer cells in test tubes.
Curcumin protects the
body from cancers, especially colon cancer, as it kills cancer cells and
prevents the formation of blood vessels inside tumors, as well as prevents the
spread of tumors outside their place, such as the tumor sending metastases to
other parts of the body such as the liver and lung.
Curcumin can also be used
with cancer drugs and chemotherapy because curcumin improves the performance of
chemotherapy for cancers.
6. Beans and Lentils
Studies show that thanks to the antioxidants found in beans and lentils, these foods help to lower the risk of a variety of cancers. Beans and lentils are also good sources of healthy fiber and can help prevent digestive cancers.
7. Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains antioxidant polyphenols and catechins, which may help protect against heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
8. Berries
Blueberries may fight cancer. Eat blueberries in Greek yogurt for some antioxidants. Don’t get caught up in one kind of berry and the “best” specific polyphenolic phytochemicals. Focus on a variety of seasonal berries and add them to plain, no-fat, high protein plain Greek yogurt.
9. Grapefruit
Vitamin C — an antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables such as grapes, oranges, bell peppers, and broccoli — helps to prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrogen compounds. Diets high in vitamin C have been linked to a reduced risk of several cancers.
10. Olive oil
This is one of the main components of the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to benefit cancer patients. This oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which reduce the risk of cancer, synergize apoptosis, modulate the cell cycle, and improve its coordination with the formation of new blood vessels.
11. Garlic
The American Institute for Cancer Research reports that eating garlic frequently lowers the risk of colorectal cancers after reviewing global research. Garlic and its compounds can do this in a variety of ways: Garlic compounds have been shown in studies to aid in DNA repair, slow cancer cell growth, and reduce inflammation.
12. Walnuts
A fascinating study has been conducted on walnuts and their effect on breast cancer gene expression. According to this study, 456 genes were altered within the tumor, with the only difference being the addition of walnuts to the diet.
Such genes induced apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibited cell migration and proliferation, and prevented metastasis.
Similarly, other nuts can have similar effects. Most of them are high in omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory substance that can also help prevent various types of cancer.
13. Flaxseed
This plant-based food also aids in cancer prevention by destroying cancer cells and influencing cell growth, inhibiting cell development and differentiation, and increasing cell apoptosis.
A reduction in cancer cell collectivization or bone vessel formation is an intriguing effect. The tumor shrinks as a result of a lack of oxygen and nutrients to continue growing.
14. Fatty fish
Salmon, for example, is high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Omega 3 is an inflammatory fatty acid that has been shown in studies to increase the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.
Natural vitamin D sources reduce the risk of colon cancer. Some research has found that omega-3 oils can help manage the wasting syndrome (weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite) that is common in cancer patients.
15. Whole grains
Even if patients eat red and processed meats high in saturated fats, the dietary fiber found in whole grains may help prevent bowel cancer.
Breast cancer research demonstrates what whole grain does in cancerous cells. Whole grains inhibit proliferation and send antigrowth signals.
There is also immune system modulation, which reduces inflammation and its effect on malignant cell proliferation. Whole grains may also target metastasis and reduce the migratory potential of these cells.
Foods that increase your cancer risk
Just as there are foods that can
reduce your cancer risk, there are foods that can increase your risk. Keep that
in mind when you go grocery shopping.
- Avoid processed meat because it
contains compounds that are linked with cancer, even though meats like hot dogs
and bacon say they are "nitrate-free" or "uncured." Foods
meant to be nitrite-free and/or cured should also be considered toxic.
- Cut way back on red food meat.
Aim for no more than 18 ounces of cooked red meat per week. Instead, choose
lean chicken, fish, or plant-based protein.
Summary
Cancer is a disease that affects
millions of people worldwide. It’s important to understand how diet can affect
your chances of getting this disease.