“Cancer” is a scary word to hear from a doctor. No one likes to suffer from anything that is categorized as cancer. It makes anyone feel lost in the world. That is because we all know what cancer can do to you. In the entire world, it is one of the most dangerous illnesses and causes of death. However, there is nothing to fear when you talk about cancer as long as you are not yet suffering from it. You can do something to avoid the risk of cancer.
The basic thing to do to prevent having cancer is to maintain a healthy diet. You need to regularly consume the right kinds of foods. Fortunately, there are some foods and ingredients that are able to fight and prevent cancer. Here is a list of foods, which what you must take every single day if you like to live a life without experiencing any cancer.
1. Garlic
Some people underestimate the power of garlic. There are times wherein you set aside garlic on the plate. If this has been your habit, it is about to change. The reason is because it has properties that prevent the occurrence of cancer. Those are nutrients that get rid of any cancer-causing substances, as well as hinder cancer cells to multiply. Any cancer, most especially those that occur in the digestive organ, like stomach, colon and esophagus, is highly prevented. So, a clove of garlic a day should be really a big help.
2. Berries
Phytochemicals are responsible in providing attractive colors of berries, but what this compound really does for the health is its ability to prevent cancer. It has the function to trigger reactions of antioxidant, which keep the body’s free radicals from potentially damaging cells, and eventually neutralize any cells caused by cancer for patients. There is no harm to eat some pieces of fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other types of berries. They are also among the favorite fruits to mix and blend for refreshing smoothies, because they are so delicious.
3. Tomatoes
One of the phytochemical compounds is lycopene, which is usually found in tomatoes. This substance is very beneficial to the health, especially in men, because a huge amount of it that is consumed in the body is able to reduce the potential of having prostate cancer. Other cancers also can be prevented due to lycopene. If you notice, there are tiny red orbs in the tomato. Those are proven to protect the DNA found in the body cells from damaging, which may result to cancer. So, don’t just bite a single slice of tomato in a burger. Try to add some slices in your dish, or put more tomato sauce on your plate, since processed food contains more concentration of lycopene.
4. Grapes
Grapes are also among the favorite fruits of most people. This is not only a great treat after a meal, or a snack after workout, but also a good food against cancer. It is highly rich in resveratrol, which is a type of antioxidant, that is found in the skin of grapes, most especially the red ones. With that said, start drinking more natural grape juice.
5. Cruciferous and Leafy Green Vegetables
Vegetables that are leafy green, and cruciferous, which is a term that belongs to the mustard family of plants called “Cruciferae”, are also top foods that help prevent cancer. These include cabbage, kale, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, cauliflower, collard greens, and kale, which have properties of antioxidants, such as lutein and beta-carotene. Scientifically, these vegetables are able to protect the DNA cells from cancer-causing substances and keep free radicals from damaged cells. As a result, there is the hindrance or slow growth of tumors and cancer cells, or in other words, a much lower risk of cancer.
6. Beans
There are different types of beans, but some of them, including red kidney and pinto beans, consist of antioxidants and fiber. They, too, are good foods to regularly eat in order to prevent cancer.
7. Whole Grains
Brown rice, oatmeal, barley, whole-wheat bread, and whole-wheat pasta must be also included in your anti-cancer diet. They highlight different types of compounds, which include antioxidants and fiber, that are great sources of protecting DNA cells against cancer-causing chemicals. Cancers like colorectal cancer are prevented if you consume more whole grains.
8. Green and Black Teas
Another anti-cancer diet is a cup of tea. Green tea and black tea are both healthy beverages that a person needs to drink regularly. The reason is because they both have catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps prevent the growth of tumor and keep those free radicals away from damaging DNA cells. Maybe, you need to lessen your coffee break and have more tea time instead.
9. Red Wine
Red wine also consists of resveratrol and catechins, which are both polyphenols. These are compounds that are responsible in reducing the risk of cancer, since they mainly slow down the growth of tumor or cancer cells. That means, it is not always bad to drink a moderate amount of red wine.
10. Turmeric
Whole food items and beverages are not only the diet to remember against cancer. A type of spice called turmeric, which belongs to Indian curries, is also anti-cancer ingredient. This is rich in curcumin that is also studied and proven to lower the risk of cancer.
There is absolutely no harm to add these foods on your regular diet. They are all healthy and delicious, too, with many benefits to offer to you. If you are not suffering from cancer, be thankful and continue or start consuming these foods more often. It is better to be early fighting cancer when you still don’t have it, than to suffer the early or later stages, when it is not easy to beat anymore. Before you go to the grocery store, or make a dish, be sure to include some of the foods and beverages that are highly recommended to take.