Health & FoodMagazine

40 Cancer Fighting Foods You Need To Start Eating Today




   

Red wine, green tea, ginger and some foods have proven to be beneficial for fighting against cancer and preventing it from occurring in the first place

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Health Beckon | By Vineetha

Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases. Studies have shown that a large percentage of cancer related deaths are linked to lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, lack of exercise and most importantly, an unhealthy diet. Good nourishment is a crucial weapon against cancer. People diagnosed with cancer need to make sure that they are getting enough nutrients to support the body during the treatment.

Several foods have proven to be beneficial for fighting against cancer and preventing it from occurring in the first place. Here, we have compiled a list of 40 foods you need to know.

40 Cancer Fighting Foods:

These following foods are beneficial to fight and prevent cancer from happening in the first place.

1. Red Wine:

Red wine contains polyphenols that can protect the body from various types of cancer. Resveratrol, an active ingredient in red wine inhibits cell proliferation, preventing cancer. Doctors recommend drinking a glass of wine daily for optimal wellbeing.




 

2. Green Tea:

Green tea is a bona fide ally against colon, rectum, lung, liver and pancreas cancer. Green tea leaves contain important cancer fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants, which prevent the cancer cells from dividing. Green tea not only prevents cancer, but also helps to fight them.

3. Ginger:

The benefit of ginger is not just limited to add flavor to the meal. It contains anti-inflammatory benefits that can help fight cancer in distinct ways. It also contains inodole, which aids in fighting estrogen driven brain, breast and prostate cancer.

4. Turmeric:

Turmeric has been used for hundreds of years for its healing benefits. It inhibits the production of COX-2, an inflammatory related enzyme that causes bowel and colon cancer.

5. Beans:

You can never go wrong with beans. Navy or black beans contain plenty of fiber and omega three fatty acids that prevent cancer growth, before it starts spreading. Eat a half-cup serving of beans three days a week to prevent the growth of cancer.

6. Dark Chocolate:

Chocolate has always had a bad reputation owing to its high fat and sugar content. This still holds true for milk chocolate, but dark one can be a powerful ally against cancer. The less processed the chocolate, the higher will be the antioxidant levels. Try to purchase organic dark chocolate to satisfy your cravings without going overboard.

7. Broccoli:

Broccoli is particularly effective in treating and preventing colon and bladder cancer. It contains high amounts of fiber, which flush out the toxins and bind to the damaging agents in the intestine. Sulforaphane in broccoli helps to detoxify the liver, reducing stomach cancer tumor.

8. Tomatoes:

According to a research conducted in the Harvard University, taking 7 to 10 servings of tomato every week can reduce the prostate cancer symptoms by 40%. It also has beneficial effects on the cervix, colon, breast and colon cancer. Cooked tomatoes release more lycopene, a phytochemical that provides cancer-fighting benefits. Lycopene also reduces the absorption of bad cholesterol in the blood.

9. Walnuts:

Increase your walnut intake to prevent breast and prostate cancer. It contains immune enhancing Allium compounds that increase the activity of immune cells, helping the body break down the cancer causing substances. Eat a handful of walnuts every day or sprinkle a few here or there to keep yourself from cancer.

10. Garlic:

Garlic is particularly useful for preventing stomach and colon cancer. It contains ingredients like sulfur, selenium and tryptophan that attack the cancer cells and prevent it from spreading and multiplying.

11. Cauliflower:

Sulforaphane, a substance found in cancer is known to provide anti-cancer benefits. The best part about this substance is that it destroys only the cancer cells, while keeping the healthy cells intact. The substance is released when you chew the vegetable. So, make sure you chew at least 20 times before swallowing it.

12.Carrot:

Recent researches suggest that a regular consumption of carrot can protect you from cancer, particularly prostate cancer. Carrots provide carotenoids like beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A in the body. This helps to reduce a wide range of cancer, including throat, mouth, intestine, bladder and prostate.

13. Avocados:

Avocados contain high levels of glutathione, a potent antioxidant that attacks the free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of cancer. Scientists are of the view that avocados can help to treat viral hepatitis, a major cause of liver cancer. Mash some slices of avocados into guacamole or add it in your salad for a healthy treat.

14. Grapes:

Grape juice contains bioflavonoids, which prevents cancer. Resveratrol in grapes inhibits enzymes that promote cancer cell growth. Ellagic acid in grapes blocks the enzymes that promote cancer cell growth.

15. Raspberries:

Raspberries are believed to thwart the possibility of colon cancer. Raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that help to reduce the amount of free radical damage done to the body. This in turn provides anti-inflammatory benefits, which prevents cancer. It also enables the body to heal itself.

16. Flaxseeds:

Flaxseeds can reduce the risk of cancer by almost 54%. It’s one of the best sources of plant based omega 3 fatty acids, which is proven to keep cancer at bay. They contain lignans that block or suppress the cancerous changes. You can easily integrate flax seeds in your soups, smoothies, oatmeal and pasta. Make sure you grind the flaxseeds before eating them.

17. Kale:

Just like most of the green leafy vegetables, kale is also a good cancer-fighting agent. It contains indole, the nitrogen compounds that stop the conversion of lesion into cancerous cells. It also creates an alkaline state in the body, where the cancer cells cannot thrive.

18. Papaya:

Consume a slice of papaya every day to keep cancer away indefinitely. Papaya contains high levels of vitamin C that prevent the absorption of cancer causing nitrosamines from the processed foods. Folic acid in papaya also minimizes the cervical dysplasia and cancer.

19. Oily Fishes:

Oily fishes are linked to reduce the possibility of breast, prostate and colon cancer. They contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties that maximize COX-2 and drive localized negative hormones called eicosanoids, which inflame and irritate. It also lengthens the telomeres, reducing the longevity of cancer.

20. Brussels Sprouts:

Brussels sprouts, like vegetables from the cruciferous family, contain the same anti-cancer properties. Besides, Brussels sprouts are also an excellent source of fiber. The high levels of fiber can reduce the risk of stomach and colon cancer.

21. Collard Greens:

Collard green has long been a favorite is soul food restaurants. The greens contain various nutrients that detoxify the body and prevent the inflammation of the body. Not consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can intoxicate the body, making it a breeding ground of different types of cancer.

22. Oranges:

Vitamin C is a powerful tool in our arsenal for fighting cancer. Start your day with a serving of oranges to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Eat oranges separately from other foods so the body can assimilate them and draw out all of their antioxidant power. Do not drink processed orange juice as they are heavily processed and are made of low quality oranges.

23. Olive Oil:

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils for cooking purpose. Extra virgin olive oil can protect against several types of cancer like colon, breast, prostate and cervical cancer. Studies have shown that olive oil can keep the tumors benign if they exist.

24. Sunflower Seeds:

Selenium, a nutrient found in sunflower seeds can reduce the risk of different forms of cancer. It contains high levels of vitamin E, which inhibit cancer cell growth and protect the immune cells from free radical damage. Zinc in sunflower seeds accelerates the healing process. You can incorporate sunflower seeds easily in your diet. Eat them raw or roast them to bring out the essential oil present in it.

25. Beetroot:

Beetroot helps to slow down the growth of active tumors, preventing cancer from spreading. It contains anthocyanin, which has been shown to kill the cancer cells. Both raw beetroot and its juice can provide you with anticancer benefits. In addition, beetroot is also known to lower the blood pressure levels.

26. Apples:

An apple a day can help to keep the cancer away! Apple is a wonder food that has immense positive effects in the body. It can help prevent a host of different diseases including cancer. Make sure you eat apples with peel as it contains pectin, a high quality fiber.

27. Strawberries:

Besides being delicious, strawberries can overcome the risk of cancer. Strawberries have a unique ability to battle the pre-existing cancer cells and stop its occurrence beforehand. It halts the naturally occurring processes in the body that creates free radicals.

28. Spinach:

Spinach is touted as one of the healthiest foods on the planet. This nutrient dense vegetable is a great cancer fighter as well. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating spinach on a regular basis can reduce the chance of getting cancer.

29. Brazil Nuts:

Brazil nuts, just like flaxseed contain selenium, which lowers the risk of different types of cancer. It contains quercetin and kaempferol, the antioxidants that suppress the growth of cancer. Make sure the nuts are unprocessed to keep selenium intact in them. Avoid salted Brazil nuts as they can increase the sodium levels in your body.

30. Lentils:

Lentils are known to work on different types of cancer, including bowel and breast cancer. It produces enzymes in the body when ingested, which provide anti-cancer benefits. They also regulate the blood sugar levels, maintaining healthy body weight.

31. Almonds:

Almonds can help treat brain cancer. A regular consumption of almond makes sure that the cancerous brain tumor does not develop and multiply. Eat a handful of almonds every morning to keep your health at its best.

32. Peaches:

Peaches are particularly beneficial for preventing breast cancer. Peach extract can destroy the cancer cells, preventing it from developing. It also contains the same substance that is found in the almonds, which can prevent brain cancer.

33. Miso:

Miso is believed to be a powerful deterrent to cancer. A daily serving of miso can reduce the risk of cancer greatly

34. Pumpkin:

The cancer protecting properties of pumpkin is well documented. It is known to prevent the occurrence of breast cancer. Pumpkin also contains high levels of vitamin E, which can defy cancer largely.

35. Pomegranate:

Both pomegranate and its juice can reduce the likelihood of cancer. Women with a history of breast cancer should particularly include pomegranate juice in your diet. A daily consumption of pomegranate juice can stop the rapid spread of cancerous cells.

36. Lemons

Lemons contain high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants that can prevent cancer or reduce its growth rate. It contains limonene, a compound that stimulates cancer killing immune cells. Add lemon juice to salads or squeeze a lemon in warm water and drink every morning to get its benefits.

37. Bell Peppers:

Bell peppers are the best source of vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and neutralizes the toxins, preventing the possibility of cancer. Red and yellow bell peppers are more effective than the other types of bell peppers.

38. Mushroom:

Shiitake, Reishi, Maitake, Murril, button and Coriolus mushrooms have been proven to fight cancer. Mushrooms contain polysaccharides; the powerful compounds that can help build immunity. They also contain lectin, which attacks the cancerous cells and prevents them spreading. Button mushrooms have the most potent cancer fighting properties.

39. Cabbage:

Cabbage contains a chemical component called indole-3, which combats breast cancer by converting estrogen into a more protective variety. It also contains Sulforaphane, which aids in preventing colon and rectal cancer. It also induces the production of certain enzymes that deactivate the carcinogens and inhibit the growth of tumor.

40. Figs:

Figs have a derivative of benzaldehyde, which has been reported to be highly effective in shrinking tumors. It also contains vitamin A, C, calcium, potassium and magnesium, which curtail appetite and accelerate the weight loss process.

The foods mentioned above not only reduce the possibility of cancer, but has also shored up the defense against many illnesses and other health conditions as well. Hope you find the article helpful. Do not forget to share your experiences in the comment box.

Source: Health Beckon

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