Bowel cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bowel or colon. This cancer is common in both men and women and is considered one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally.
While there are various treatments available for bowel cancer, it’s better to take precautions that can reduce the risk of developing the disease. One way to do this is by consuming foods that have protective properties against bowel cancer. This article will provide you with information on 30 foods that may protect against bowel cancer mortality.
1. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
Studies have shown that consuming broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.
The protective properties of these vegetables are attributed to the presence of glucosinolate compounds that help in detoxifying harmful carcinogens in the gut.
2. Garlic
Garlic has been found to have protective properties against cancer, and bowel cancer is no exception. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds that have anti-cancer properties that help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.
3. Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that make it a potent food in the prevention of bowel cancer.
With the presence of anti-inflammatory properties, ginger reduces inflammation in the gut, which may lead to the development of cancer cells. Ginger can also help regulate the digestive system, which helps keep the gut healthy.
4. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds that make them perfect for fighting cancerous cells. The antioxidants in berries help reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to the development of cancer cells.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidants compound. Studies have shown that consuming turmeric can help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Curcumin helps in reducing inflammation in the gut, which can lead to the development of cancer cells.
6. Leafy greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other compounds that help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.
These foods help to detoxify and reduce oxidative stress in the body, which may cause cancerous cells to form.
7. Legumes
Legumes, such as beans and lentils, contain fiber that helps to promote healthy bowel movement, which can reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Legumes are also rich in antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress that may cause cell mutation and inflammation, leading to cancer.
8. Whole grains
Whole grains like barley and brown rice contain fiber that helps to promote bowel movement. Fiber helps to regulate the digestive system and reduce the risk of bowel cancer.
Additionally, whole grains are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent cell mutation.
9. Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.
Additionally, walnuts contain antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, which may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
10. Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain beta-glucans and other compounds that have anti-cancer properties. The beta-glucans in mushrooms have been found to promote the immune system, which helps the body fight off cancerous cells.
Additionally, mushrooms have potent antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress.
11. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in fiber, which helps to promote bowel movement and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
They also contain omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation that may cause cancerous cells to form. Flaxseeds are also rich in lignans, which are antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress.
12. Fatty fish
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. The omega-3 fatty acids in these fishes help reduce inflammation that may lead to the development of cancerous cells.
Additionally, fatty fish contain vitamin D, which has been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
13. Red grapes
Red grapes contain resveratrol, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
Resveratrol has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which prevent the growth of cancer cells in the gut.
14. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress.
They also contain fiber and vitamin C, which help to promote healthy bowel movement, reduce inflammation, and prevent the development of cancer cells.
15. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress. Studies have shown that consuming tomatoes can help reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.
16. Avocados
Avocados are rich in fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids, which help to promote healthy bowel movement and regulate the digestive system., Additionally, avocados contain antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent the development of cancer cells.
17. Bell peppers
Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, which helps to reduce inflammation and reduce oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
Additionally, bell peppers contain antioxidants and fiber that help to promote healthy gut bacteria.
18. Pomegranate
Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent the development of cancer cells.
Additionally, pomegranates contain polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation that may lead to the development of cancer cells.
19. Onions
Onions are rich in organosulfur compounds that have anti-cancer properties. Additionally, onions contain flavonoids and quercetin, which are potent antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress that may lead to the development of cancer cells.
20. Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, carrots contain fiber that helps to promote healthy bowel movement, reduce inflammation, and prevent the development of cancer cells.
21. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds that make them perfect for fighting cancerous cells. The antioxidants in berries help reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to the development of cancer cells.
22. Lemons
Lemons contain limonene, which is a potent antioxidant that helps to reduce oxidative stress and prevent the development of cancer cells.
Additionally, lemons contain citric acid, which can help regulate the digestive system and promote healthy bowel movement.
23. Grapes
Grapes are rich in antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells. Additionally, grapes contain resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the gut.
24. Green tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols that have anti-cancer properties. The polyphenols in green tea also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
25. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids that have anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
26. Beets
Beets are rich in nitrates, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut and promote healthy bowel movements. Additionally, beets contain antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
27. Cherries
Cherries are rich in flavonoids that have anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids can also help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
28. Apples
Apples are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and quercetin, which have anti-cancer properties. Quercetin can also help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to the development of cancer cells.
29. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and prevent the development of cancer cells. Additionally, blueberries contain polyphenols that help reduce inflammation in the gut.
30. Blackberries
Blackberries are rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds that make them perfect for fighting cancerous cells. The antioxidants in blackberries help reduce the oxidative stress that contributes to the development of cancer cells.