Cancer remains one of the most frightening conditions that a person can be diagnosed with, even though treatment options and prognoses are better than they were in past. The good news is that there are dietary means of both preventing and treating cancer – changes, in other words, that can be made in the foods one eats to help the body stay healthy and fight off this disease.
Garlic
Since it is so well-known for its immunity-boosting properties, it is not very surprising that garlic should be able to reduce one’s risk of developing cancer. According to some studies, it seems that garlic is particularly effect against malignancies of the digestive tract, especially the esophagus, colon and stomach.
Berries
Berries are not only a delicious treat – their potent antioxidant properties can fight damage done to various organs by free radicals, damage that can eventually lead to certain forms of cancer. It is also suspected that strawberries, blueberries and the like might stop or slow the growth of tumors.
Tomatoes
Recent studies have found a link between tomato consumption and the reduction of risk for prostate cancer. This is because of a compound called lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant, which like the phytochemicals in berries protects against free radical damage.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables belonging to this family include cauliflower, kale, broccoli and cabbage and they too are rich in antioxidants. Compounds from such vegetables have also been shown to slow tumor growth and encourage cancer cell death.
Green Tea
Green tea has been shown to prevent free radical damage, slow the growth of cancer cells and even shrink the size of tumors. This is because it is rich in chemicals called catechins, another cancer-fighting antioxidant.
Whole Grains
Brown rice, whole wheat, barley and oatmeal all are an important part of an anti-cancer diet as well. They do not only contain antioxidants, but they are very high in fiber and this has been shown to be helpful for colorectal cancer in particular.
Turmeric
This pungent orange spice, an important element in curries, has been shown to slow the growth and spread of cancerous tumors. It is believed that these properties stem from the fact that turmeric is rich in curcumin, a powerful phytochemical.
Leafy Greens
Because they are rich in lutein and beta-carotene, both of which are powerful antioxidants, leafy green vegetables are also an important part of an anti-cancer diet. Leafy greens include spinach, collards, mustard greens, and lettuce.
Red Grapes
Both the skin of red grapes and the wine that is made from them are high in an antioxidant called resveratrol. This compound has been shown in laboratories to inhibit the growth of malignant cells and in particular is linked to reduce chances of prostate cancer.
Beans
Not many people are aware of this, but beans are also a rich source of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Besides this, they are also high in fiber which can reduce the risk of cancers of th digestive tract.
The ten foods mentioned above are all easy to fit into the diet. They can also have a powerful impact on overall health and on strengthening the body’s ability to fight off cell damage that can eventually lead to a cancer diagnosis.
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