Hi Everyone,
Today’s blog post is all about foods that help prevent cancer.
You might have heard that many vegetables and fruits contain antioxidants, lycopene, beta-carotene, and other essential cancer-fighting components.
According to Jed W. Fahey, MS, ScD, faculty research associate at the School of Medicine at John Hopkins University, the phytochemicals found in most plants prevent cell mutation and damage.
The American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Society conducted research on the benefits of plant-based foods.
The result of the studies showed that foods such as berries, garlic, and broccoli provided the strongest protection from cancer.
These foods are low in calories, and contain loads of phytochecmicals that can do wonders for the health.
1. Garlic
You might find the odor of garlic rather repelling; however, the sulfur compounds that cause odor are the same components that prevent cancer-causing substances from developing in your body.
Garlic also fights off harmful bacteria such as the H.pylori, which is the main culprit for stomach and colon cancer.
2. Broccoli
According to Fahey, broccoli is the best source of sulforaphane, a protective enzyme that reduces risks of cancer.
The enzyme detoxifies damaging substances in the body and attacks the H.pylori bacterium. The American Institute for Cancer Research has conducted studies that prove the effectiveness of broccoli in preventing cancers of the stomach, esophagus, and mouth.
3. Tomatoes
Lycopene, the component in tomatoes that give the fruit a red hue, is a very powerful antioxidant and phytochemical.
A diet rich in lycopene has great benefits in preventing prostate cancer, as well as inhibiting cancer cells from growing in the lung, endometrial, and the breasts. Lycopene boosts the immune system and stops the growth of tumors and cancer cells.
4. Berries
Strawberries contain abundant supply of antioxidants, including ellagic acid and vitamin C that have anti-cancer properties.
These components destroy cancer-causing agents and slow down the development of tumors.
Blueberries, cranberries, and other types of berries are also super-charged with flavonoids that suppress DNA-damaging enzymes linked with lung cancer.
5. Carrots
Scientists have discovered the outstanding supply of beta-carotene found in carrots, which makes the vegetable another cancer-fighting food that you should have on your plate.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that prevents toxin damage in cell membranes.
This tasty and healthy vegetable is best eaten when cooked, as this releases more antioxidants, based on the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
6. Spinach
Spinach contains carotenoids, lutein, and zeaxanthin that get rid of free radicals from the body before these components cause severe damages. These essential components in spinach are also found in other vegetables with dark green and leafy quality.
Studies have discovered that people who included more spinach to their diet are less likely to develop esophageal cancer, and other types of serious medical conditions.
7. Whole grains
Fiber, the main component of whole grains, decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. Whole grains are rich in lignans that serve as antioxidants, which prevent mutation of cancer cells.
When you buy bread, purchase one that contains 100 percent whole wheat, as this comes with excellent supply of fiber and lignans.
8. Green Tea and Red Wine
Scientists at the Purdue University have discovered a special compound in green tea called polyphenols, which impedes growth of cancer cells. Those who drink over four cups of green tea each day have low risks of cancer, as compared to non-tea drinkers.
Polyphenols are also found in red wine, and it is beneficial to have one serving of red wine at least thrice a week.
9. Avocados
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant found in avocados, and this component attacks the free radicals by blocking absorption of harmful fats. This fruit has also been discovered to treat viral diseases that may cause liver cancer such as hepatitis.
10. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are rich in lignans that block cancerous cells and remove free radicals. This food item also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that protect the body from heart disease and colon cancer.
11. Papayas
This tasty fruit is rich in vitamin C that reduces absorption of nitrosamines or cancer-causing components found in processed foods. Papayas also contain folacin that reduces cervical dysplasia, and prevents other types of cancer.
12. Grapefruit
Just like other citrus fruits, grapefruit is high in monoterpenes, or enzymes that prevent cancer by removing carcinogens out of the body. The fruit also contains beta-carotene, vitamin C and folic acid that inhibit the spread of breast cancer cells.
Make sure that you include these foods in your diet, so you can ensure a healthy and cancer-free body. In addition, you will feel energized and youthful because of the outstanding benefits of these foods.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post.
Be healthy, stay well!
Mark Ling
Founder of MindTracks