Winter is here and there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of soup to keep you cozy during these cold months. Not only does soup provide comfort, it can also be a great way to incorporate cancer-fighting foods into your diet.

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and including certain ingredients in your winter soups can help reduce your risk. Here’s how you can beat colon cancer with winter soup.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is cancer that begins in the colon or rectum. It usually develops from small, noncancerous (benign) tumors called adenomatous polyps. Over time, these polyps become cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body.

Colon cancer screenings can help detect this cancer early, when treatment is most effective.

What are the risks of colon cancer?

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer, including:.

• Age – people aged 50 and older are more likely to get colon cancer
• Personal or family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps
• History of inflammatory bowel disease
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Poor diet high in red and processed meat

What foods can help prevent colon cancer?

Adding certain ingredients to your soups can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Here are some cancer-fighting foods to include:.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help prevent cancer. They contain a lot of fiber which can help keep your digestive system working properly.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. They are also high in fiber and low in calories.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Related Article Warm Up and Ward Off Colon Cancer with This Soup

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent cancer. They are also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Garlic

Garlic contains a compound called allicin which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. It can also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Winter Soup Recipes to Beat Colon Cancer

Spinach and Lentil Soup

Ingredients:.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:.

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander and stir for 1 minute.
2. Add vegetable broth and lentils to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, until the lentils are soft.
3. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth. Add the baby spinach and stir until it’s wilted. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients:.

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until they are golden brown.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Add garlic and cumin and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add vegetable broth and roasted cauliflower to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s smooth. Add coconut milk and stir until it’s well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot.

Conclusion

Winter soups can be a delicious way to help prevent colon cancer. Incorporating cancer-fighting ingredients like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, turmeric, tomatoes, and garlic into your soups can help reduce your risk.

Try out the spinach and lentil soup or roasted cauliflower soup to stay healthy and cozy this winter.