The cure for the most common cause of death has not been entirely found yet. Scientists all over the world are still researching the causes and cures for cancer. From what is known about this unforgiving illness, about 35% of cancers are somehow related to nutritional factors. To help prevent it we must eat a wide variety of healthy foods from which we can get our daily doses of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants to help protect the body’s cells from damage. As we know so far, food is the best way to prevent all sorts of illnesses. We want to show you a list of 10 foods that help prevent cancer.
10. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help prevent the formation of cancer compounds in the body cells. Diets that are high in vitamin C (oranges, broccoli, peppers) are known to help reduce the risks of cancers of the colon, stomach, esophagus, bladder, cervix, breast. Citrus fruits and all kind of fruits for that matter should not miss from any kind of diet.
9. Peanut Butter
Studies show that eating foods that are high in vitamin E can reduce the risks of developing cancers of the stomach, lung, colon, liver. It is recommended to add vitamin E rich foods like peanuts, peanut butter, almonds, almond butter and sunflower seeds to your daily diet. This will keep the body cells strong. For an extra dose of vitamin E spread a tablespoon of peanut butter on a piece of whole grain toast and enjoy a healthy and delicious snack.
8. Berries
Raspberries, cranberries and blueberries are one of the best foods that help prevent cancer, studies say. They contain an antioxidant called pterosilbene which can prevent cancer from developing in the human body. So if you want a delicious and super healthy treat, forget about cookies and have a cup of berries. They will boost your health and do wonders for the skin, too.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Beta carotene is a very powerful antioxidant. Researchers found that eating foods rich in beta carotene (orange vegetables and leafy greens) can reduce the risks of cancer, especially of the colon, lung and stomach. Other studies showed that eating plenty of vegetables that have a high content of beta carotene, folate, fiber and vitamin C, like sweet potatoes, can reduce the risk of breast cancer by half.
6. Wild Salmon
A low vitamin level has been linked to several forms of cancers like the colon or breast cancer. Scientists believe that vitamin D can help block the blood vessels that feed growing tumors and can also stop the proliferation of precancerous and cancerous cells. Wild salmon is a great source of vitamin D along with milk and yogurt. Doctors also recommend taking vitamin D supplements.
5. Flax-seed
Omega3 fatty acids may help reduce cancer from developing by inhibiting the cell proliferation. Omega3 are also known to reduce inflammations which, in theory, could reduce the mutation of the cells. We should definitely include omega 3 fatty acids foods in our diet. Foods like fish, shellfish and flax-seeds will help our body stay healthy and fight against all kinds of illnesses.
4. Turmeric
This exotic spice is what gives the color and the taste of our curry dishes. The curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that the curcumin found in turmeric can help prevent cancer of the colon, breast, stomach, lung and liver. So next time you spice up the chicken or eggs or salad with turmeric, you’ll be doing yourself a great favor.
3. Tea
Tea contains what is called catechin, a compound that may stop the cancer cells from growing. In Japan where there are a lot of tea drinkers, green tea has been linked to reducing the risks of stomach cancer among women. Regular tea drinkers can reduce the risks of developing cancers of the breast, colon, ovarian, lung and prostate. All types of tea are full of great properties: green, white, black.
2. Foods That Help Prevent Cancer – Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain a natural chemical compound called phytonutrients or glucosinlates which may help inhibit our body from creating carcinogens and stimulate it instead to produce detoxification enzymes.
1. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are one of the best foods for cancer prevention. They are very rich in ellagic acid which can inhibit cancer cell growth and helps deactivate cancerous compounds. Other foods rich in ellagic acid are raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, walnuts, pecans, cranberries, and grapes (red, black, purple).
This was our list of foods that help prevent cancer. Do you have any thoughts you would like to share with us? We would love to hear from you in the comment section below.
