Today is the World Cancer Day. The day is marked to spread awareness about cancer and how one can reduce their risk of cancer and prevent the deadly disease. Recently, a study concluded that women in India are at the highest risk of cervical cancer in the world, which makes awareness about cancer even more important and the need of the hour.
There are multiple studies that show, higher consumption of some specific foods are linked to the lower risk of the disease and cancer. Those certain foods that have cancer-fighting ability neutralize the harmful agents in your body that supports cancer development.
It is important to ensure that your lifestyle and practices do not invite the disease to your body. Here we have a list of food items, which reduces the risk of cancer by safeguarding you with immunity.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known spice widely used for its health-promoting properties. An active ingredient present in it called curcumin which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer properties. Also, it has been associated with slowing the growth of breast, lungs, and prostate cancer cells. For the best results, add 3 teaspoons of ground turmeric every day in your diet.
2. Ginger
Cancer-fighting properties found it refers to the killing of ovarian cancer cells and reduced inflammation in the colon. It’s also linked to having a potential cancer preventive measure. Add a ginger slice in your tea or sprinkle some finely chopped ginger in morning oatmeal bowl every morning.
3. Garlic
An active component traced in garlic called allicin has been proven to kill cancer cells. Garlic leads to lessening the risks of prostate, stomach and colorectal cancers. Include two to five grams of fresh garlic every day in your diet and take benefits of its cancer-preventing properties.
4. Broccoli
This green wonder is packed with sulforaphane, a plant-based compound found in cruciferous vegetables with potent anti-cancer properties. Sulforaphane reduces the number of breast cancer cells by seventy-five percent.
5. Berries
Berries are rich in anthocyanins- a plant pigments with antioxidant properties which have been linked to reduced cancer risk. Colorectal cancer was treated with bilberry extract with the results, cancer cells reduction by seven percent. Single or two serving of berries in your diet per day may help prevent the development of cancer cells.
6. Probiotics
Probiotics promote a healthy gut due to the rich consistency of good bacteria. But do you know, they are the potential anti-cancer agents too? Probiotics have been proven to be effective against cancer formation especially colon cancer as they create a short-chain fatty acid in the colon and acidify it, lowering the pH and possibility of colon cancer.
7. Fatty fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, anchovies, and mackerel are packed with important nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D which have proven studies showing a lower risk of cancer. In, particular, two servings of fatty fish each week help you get an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.
8. Carrots
Eating carrots can possibly reduce the development of stomach cancer up to by twenty six percent. Also, lower the odds of developing prostate cancer. Try adding carrots in your diet as a snack or salad three to four days a week for potentially reduced cancer risk.
9. Citrus fruits
Adding citrus fruits like limes, lemons, oranges and grapefruits in your diet has been linked to lower risk of cancers like digestive and upper respiratory tract cancer and pancreatic cancer. Three servings of citrus fruits every week help support the reduced the risk of stomach cancer as well.
10. Nuts
Consumption of nuts on regular basis shows reduced risk of pancreatic, colorectal and endometrial cancers. For example, brazil nuts are high in selenium, may help prevent you get lung cancer due to high selenium status in these nuts. Many results suggest, nuts should be included in your every day diet.
11. Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the staples of Mediterranean diet is packed with numerous health benefits. It has been noticed that higher consumption of olive oil help protect your body against cancer development. People who consume olive oil have lower risk of breast and digestive system cancer.
12. Flaxseeds
Rich in fiber and heart-healthy fats- flaxseed are always a healthy addition in diet which may also help reduce the growth of cancer kill cancer cells.
13. Tomatoes
A compound called lycopene found in tomatoes is tagged to be responsible for anti-cancer properties due to its vibrant red color. Intake of lycopene significantly found in tomatoes may lead to a lessen the risk of prostate cancer. A serving or two of tomatoes in the diet every day by adding it in salad, sandwiches, or curry will enable your body to take best of it.
14. Plums
Plums can be the helpful fruit to fight against cancers like breast and colon cancer. Dried plums called prunes are the rich source of and chlorogenic acids- powerful anti-cancer agents. The phenols from plums kill the malignant cells in breast cancer without any harm to the body. Enjoy plums when season in form of smoothie or fruit salad twice or thrice a week.
15. Beans
Beans are loaded with fiber and many studies found beans may help prevent the development of cancer like colorectal cancer. It also has been noticed that people with a history of colorectal cancer who consumed more cooked, dried beans tended to have a reduced risk of cancer recurrence.
