Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in the body. Although there are treatments for cancer, prevention is the best cure. Luckily, making changes in our diet can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Here are 10 foods you should include in your diet to reduce cancer risk:.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains a compound called sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has been found to have cancer-fighting properties.
Studies have shown that sulforaphane can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. It is recommended to eat raw or lightly cooked broccoli to get the most benefits.
2. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of cancer. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer.
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, making them a great addition to your diet.
3. Garlic
Garlic has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. It contains a compound called allicin, which has been found to have anti-cancer effects. Studies have suggested that garlic can help reduce the risk of stomach, colon, and prostate cancer.
It is recommended to eat raw or lightly cooked garlic to get the most benefits.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of cancer. They are also rich in fiber, which can help reduce the risk of colon cancer.
It is recommended to eat a variety of leafy greens to get the most benefits.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been found to have cancer-fighting properties. Studies have suggested that lycopene can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
It is recommended to eat cooked or processed tomatoes to get the most benefits, as cooking and processing tomatoes increases the amount of lycopene that is available to the body.
6. Whole Grains
Whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help reduce the risk of cancer. They are also low in fat and high in antioxidants, making them a great addition to your diet.
It is recommended to eat a variety of whole grains to get the most benefits.
7. Nuts
Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help reduce the risk of cancer. They are also high in fiber and healthy fats, making them a great addition to your diet.
It is recommended to eat a variety of nuts to get the most benefits.
8. Beans
Beans such as black beans, navy beans, and kidney beans are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins that help reduce the risk of cancer. They are also low in fat and high in antioxidants, making them a great addition to your diet.
It is recommended to eat a variety of beans to get the most benefits.
9. Fish
Fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to have cancer-fighting properties. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
It is recommended to eat fatty fish at least twice a week to get the most benefits.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that contains a compound called curcumin, which has been found to have cancer-fighting properties. Studies have suggested that curcumin can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
It is recommended to add turmeric to your diet by using it as a spice in your cooking or by taking a curcumin supplement.
Conclusion
Making changes in our diet can help reduce the risk of cancer. Including foods such as broccoli, berries, garlic, leafy greens, tomatoes, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, and turmeric in our diet can help reduce the risk of cancer.
It is recommended to eat a variety of these foods to get the most benefits.