It is widely recognized that what we eat can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being.
While most people are aware that your diet can influence things like your body weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol, it may come as a surprise that diet can also play a role in the development, progression, or prevention of cancer.
Studies have shown that certain foods contain compounds that can help protect our cells from damage, limit the spread of cancerous cells, and even trigger cell death in cancerous cells.
Here are 9 cancer-fighting foods that you should try including in your daily diet.
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals in your body. Free radicals can damage cell structures and disrupt DNA function, potentially leading to the development of cancer.
Berries also contain other cancer-fighting compounds, such as anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which have been shown to have anti-tumor effects. Try incorporating more berries into your diet, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens, such as kale, mustard leaves, spinach, and collard greens, are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
They are also a great source of folate, which is linked to reduced risk of certain cancers, such as breast and colon cancer.
In addition to salads, you can also try incorporating more leafy greens into your diet by adding them to smoothies, stir-fries, or eating them as a special side dish.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are a group of plants in the Brassicaceae family that are characterized by their flowers having four petals in the shape of a cross, hence the name “cruciferous”. Examples of these vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, and arugula.
These are some of the most nutrient-dense foods available. They contain compounds such as sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. These stimulate the production of detoxifying enzymes in the body, which helps to reduce the risk of cancer.
Try roasting or steaming your cruciferous vegetables for maximum health benefits.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to help prevent cancer. They also contain other compounds that help your immune system fight off diseases like cancer, such as vitamin C and potassium.
Tomatoes can be easily added to your diet by eating them in salads, adding them to soups or stews, or using them in sauces and marinades.
Garlic
Garlic has been proven useful for a variety of medicinal purposes, including lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, improving heart health and immune function, and even reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
Garlic gets its cancer-fighting properties from a compound called allicin, which works to inhibit the growth of tumors and cancer cells.
Garlic is a tasty addition to all sorts of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and marinated meats.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another spice that is known to provide many health benefits, including the ability to help fight cancer.
The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer effects.
Turmeric is a common spice in Indian cuisine, which makes it great for curries, soups, and stir-fries.
Salmon
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help prevent cancer. It is also a good source of protein, vitamin D, and many other essential minerals that your body needs to fight off cancerous cells.
Salmon is generally broiled, baked, grilled, or smoked, and it can be prepared with a wide variety of herbs and marinades.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-cancer effects. Drinking green tea regularly has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colon cancer.
A hot cup of green tea is also an excellent way to relax and unwind. This stress-reducing effect may also provide some immune-boosting benefits.
While these foods and drinks are not cures for cancer, they can provide your body with the ingredients it needs to have the best chance at fighting off dangerous cancer cells and restoring your health as much as possible.