Cancer is a degenerative disease which is fatal and expensive. Scientists and health experts are looking effective ways to combat this disease yet its cure remains elusive and uncertain.
Studies have shown that cancer is linked to a person’s lifestyle. They also suggest that cancer can be prevented by eating the right kind of foods.
Here are some of the foods that help to prevent cancer:
1. Fish
Eating fish on a regular basis can help to prevent cancer, especially the ones that affect the lungs, colon, breast, prostate and kidney. It is because fishes, especially sardines, wild salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help to retard the growth of cancer cells. Fresh fish is more effective in preventing cancer than frozen ones, experts suggest.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard are rich in carotenoids, the pigment in vegetables that works as antioxidants. They help to eliminate free radicals which contribute to the growth of cancer cells. They also contain lots of folate, a type of B vitamin which can fight off lung and breast cancers.
3. Beans
Beans are loaded with phytochemicals, a substance known for its role in preventing the growth of cancer cells. They are particularly effective in suppressing prostate cancer.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains are packed with fiber, phytoestrogens and antioxidants. These substances help to protect your cells from damage by cleansing them from free radicals which cause oxidative stress.
5. Apples
The old adage which says that an apple a day keeps the doctor away is also applicable to cancer prevention. Apples contain plenty of vitamins and other substances which are beneficial to your overall health. They are especially effective in preventing the development of cancers of the breast, liver and colon.
6. Berries
All types of berries are known to contain ellagic acids and polyphenols which are effective anti-cancer agents.
7. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolates help to prevent cancer because they are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and proanthocyanidins. These substances help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells because they suppress the growth of blood vessels that feed them.
8. Green Tea
Green tea helps to fight off cancer because it is loaded with plenty of antioxidants which help to protect healthy cells and remove cancer cells from the body.
9. Turmeric
Turmeric is believed to be a potent anti-cancer food. Recent studies have found that it has the ability to induce apoptosis, a process which triggers the self-destruction and removal of cancer cells.
These are some of the foods that can play a role in preventing or slowing down the growth of cancer. You should take note that they are meant to strengthen your defenses against the disease and they are not intended to replace your doctor’s professional advice or prescription. You should make them a part of your daily diet in order to enjoy their health benefits.
