Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis and many people feel overwhelmed and hopeless when facing the disease.

However, there are steps you can take to potentially reduce your risk of developing cancer and to potentially slow or fight the spread of cancer cells. One important factor involved in cancer development is inflammation. Eating a diet rich in inflammation-fighting superfoods is a great place to start in defending against cancer.

Berries

Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are among the best inflammation-fighting superfoods. They contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Additionally, anthocyanins have been shown to potentially slow the growth of cancer cells. Eating a variety of berries can help provide a wide array of cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage contain compounds such as sulforaphane, which has been shown to decrease inflammation and potentially slow or fight the spread of cancer cells.

These vegetables are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, which can help support overall health.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

These fatty acids have also been shown to potentially slow or fight the spread of cancer cells in several studies. Eating fatty fish can be a great way to get healthy omega-3s into your diet.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine and contains a powerful anti-inflammatory compound known as curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to help potentially slow the growth of cancer cells and even trigger cancer cell death.

Adding turmeric to your dishes or drinking turmeric tea can add anti-inflammatory benefits to your diet.

Garlic

Garlic contains a compound known as allicin which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. Additionally, garlic has also been shown to potentially help slow the spread of cancer cells.

Garlic can easily be added to meals for an extra burst of flavor and potential health benefits.

Ginger

Ginger is a spice commonly used in many dishes and can also be made into tea. It contains compounds known as gingerols which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Additionally, ginger has been shown to potentially slow the growth or spread of cancer cells in several studies.

Green Tea

Green tea is a beverage rich in antioxidants known as catechins which have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, green tea has been shown to potentially slow the growth of cancer cells in several studies.

Drinking green tea regularly can provide a host of health benefits.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains compounds known as flavonoids which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the flavonoids in dark chocolate have been shown to potentially slow or fight the spread of cancer cells.

Eating small amounts of dark chocolate regularly can provide benefits for both the body and mind.

Nuts

Nuts such as almonds and walnuts contain high levels of healthy fats which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, nuts are a great source of fiber and protein which can help support overall health.

Eating a handful of nuts as a snack can be a great way to add anti-inflammatory benefits to your diet.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil contains a compound known as oleocanthal which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen. Additionally, extra-virgin olive oil has been shown to potentially slow or fight the spread of cancer cells.

Using extra-virgin olive oil as a cooking oil or in salad dressings can provide anti-inflammatory benefits to your diet.