7 Superfoods to Reduce the Risk of Cancer

7 Superfoods to Reduce the Risk of Cancer

There are certain foods that can help keep cancer at bay. One can find these superfoods easily find in one’s fridge or the nearest grocery store. These may not help cure the disease entirely but will surely help reduce its intensity.

Some risk factors for cancer like environment and genetic factors may be out of one’s control but research shows that about 70% of one’s lifetime cancer risk is within their control; this includes following a healthy diet and lifestyle. So why not make those healthy choices and take a step towards preventing this life-threatening disease. If one has a history of cancer in their family, making small changes to one’s diet can help in the long run. However, if one has been diagnosed with cancer, following a nutritious diet will surely help. Some foods do have the power in them to reduce cancer.

1. Broccoli
All cruciferous veggies like cauliflower, cabbage, and kale have cancer-fighting properties, but of the lot, broccoli has great amounts of sulforaphane. This is a potent ingredient that boosts the body’s protective enzymes and takes out the cancer-causing chemicals. It is one of the great foods to reduce cancer. It helps in fighting breast, liver, lung, prostate, skin, stomach, and bladder cancers.

2. Berries
All kinds of berries are packed with ingredients to fight cancer. However, black raspberries have unusually high levels of phytochemicals known as anthocyanins. They help to slow down the growth of premalignant cells and do not allow new cells to form. One can have them fresh or also use a berry powder. It helps to fight colon, esophageal, oral, and skin cancers.

3. Tomatoes
This is an excellent source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives it the red color, which helps stop the growth of endometrial cancer cells. It works well in fighting endometrial, lung, prostate, and stomach cancers. It is ideal to use it in the cooked form as the heating process increases the amount of lycopene that the body can absorb.

4. Walnuts
These contain phytosterols that are known to block estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells and also slows down cell growth. They help in warding off breast and prostate cancers. This is one of the best foods to reduce cancer and can be added to any dish.

5. Garlic
It contains phytochemicals that stop the formation of nitrosamines and carcinogens that are formed in the stomach and intestines when one consumes nitrates. It is a common food additive. Regular consumption of garlic is good in reducing the risk of breast, colon, esophageal, and stomach cancers. One can add this to their food in any form or have it early in the morning with a glass of warm water.

6. Beans
Legumes and other beans have shown to reduce the incidence of colon cancer significantly. A legume-rich diet has shown to increase the levels of the fatty acid butyrate which, when had in high concentration, can help in reducing cancer growth. It helps to fight colon and breast cancers.

7. Cinnamon
This spice is renowned for its health benefits such as reducing blood sugar and inflammation. It is also one of the best foods to reduce cancer. Some studies have found that cinnamon helps in blocking the spread of cancer cells as well. Once can include half or one teaspoon of it in one’s daily diet and watch it work its magic.

Include each of these foods in the daily diet as it can help reduce cancer and its symptoms.