Cancer is a deadly health problem, killing several people annually across the globe. One of the best ways to protect yourself against cancer is to consume cancer fighting foods. The American Cancer Society has recommended some foods, which can protect you from cancer. Here is a list of 15 cancer fighting foods.
1. Garlic
Garlic is a popular food item and several studies have found that it is an effective cancer fighting food protecting the esophagus, colon and stomach against cancer. The pungent smell of garlic prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is suggested that one clove of garlic should be consumed daily to keep away cancer.
2. Berries
The juicy berries, including blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, are liked by many because of their good taste and some studies have found that the juice present in Berries also prevent cancer. The powerful antioxidants present in berries stop the formation of cell damaging free radicals inside the body. The growth of cancer is also prevented due to the compounds in berries.
3. Tomatoes
Men should consume tomatoes regularly because it prevents the growth of prostate cancer. The juicy red orbs of Tomatoes guard your cellâs DNA, thus preventing cancer. Presence of antioxidant called lycopene also makes Tomato a cancer fighting food.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower can work as a good cancer fighting food. Studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables protect us from cancer by controlling the free radicals that can damage the DNA of the cell. These vegetables also protect the body from cancer-causing chemicals.
5. Green Tea
The presence of antioxidants called catechins in tea prevents our body from cancer in different ways. Studies have found that catechins also control the free radicals that can damage the DNA of the cell. Catechins can shrink tumors as well. Besides this, it also reduces the growth of tumor cell. Catechins is present in both black and green teas, but green tea contains more antioxidants.
6. Whole Grains
The American Institute for Cancer Research claims that fiber and antioxidants present in whole grains might prevent the body against cancer. An important research was conducted in which around half a million people were studied. The research found that whole grains prevent the body against colorectal cancer. Brown rice, barley, oatmeal, pasta and whole-wheat bread are whole grains.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is an important spice in Indian curries. This yellow-colored spice contains curcumin and it is found that this ingredient can reduce the risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society claims that show studies in lab have shown that curcumin can inhibit some cancer cells and also shrink tumors in some animals.
8. Leafy Green Vegetables
Some leafy green vegetables including spinach and lettuce contain antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein. Some studies have shown that these antioxidants may check the growth of cancer cells. These green vegetables are inexpensive and readily available.
9. Grapes
Red grape skin contains an antioxidant called resveratrol. This antioxidant is also present in grape juice and red wine. The National Cancer Institute says that this antioxidant may prevent the spread of cancer and also check the growth of cancer. Some studies have found that red wine in moderate quantity can also decrease the risk of prostate cancer in men.
10. Beans
Pinto and red kidney beans contain antioxidants in large quantity and they are a good cancer fighting food. Beans are rich in fiber and we know that high-fiber diet reduces cancer risk.
11. Mushrooms
Some mushrooms like Shiitake, Agaricus blazei Murill and Coriolus Versicolor have been found to fight cancer and improve the immune system. The polysaccharides Lentinan present in these mushrooms build immunity. A protein called lectin present in these mushrooms prevents the multiplication of cancerous cells in body.
12. Figs
Fig, a pretty common food, contains benzaldehydeâs derivative. The researchers at Tokyoâs Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have found that benzaldehyde helps in shrinking tumors.
13. Papayas
The vitamin C present in papaya works as an antioxidant and some studies have found that it also reduces absorption of nitrosamines, a cancer-causing compound, from the soil. The folacin or folic acid present in papaya also minimizes the growth of some cancers.
14. Nuts
The antioxidants quercetin and campferol present in nuts can prevent the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains selenium, which prevents the growth of prostate cancer. The nuts are easily available.
15. Soy Products
Some soy products including soy milk and tofu contain different varieties of phytoestrogens, which check the growth of both prostate and breast cancer. These soy products prevent our body from cancer by blocking cancerous changes.