Foods That Can Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a deadly and chronic health condition that can threaten anyone’s life severely. Studies have shown that cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world today. Research has found concrete causes of this severe health condition for several years. However, no research or study has been able to pinpoint what exactly the cause of cancer is. That is, the cause of cancer is still unknown. However, some research has successfully discovered factors predisposing an individual to a health condition. Some of these risk factors include;

• Genetic factors
• Sex
• Family history
• Sometimes, age
• Certain lifestyles like excess alcohol consumption and smoking
• Some unhealthy diets like processed meat and red meat, eating grilled or plastic-packaged foods, among others

All of these listed factors have been discovered to heighten an individual’s chances of suffering from this condition. Nonetheless, certain things can be done to prevent these health conditions despite exposure to some risk factors. Some of these things include diet adjustment, constant medical checkups and examinations, and quitting certain lifestyles and habits.

Identifying and reporting these risk factors at the hospital, especially in cases where an individual’s family history is known to have traces of cancer, is another best way to prevent the condition.

There are different types of cancer, and their risk factors are almost similar. Some of these cancers include;

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Leukemia, among others

They manifest different symptoms, and this makes them easy to identify. They also have a similar characteristic of growing in one part of the body and spreading to other parts of the body if proper care is not taken. With treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the rate at which cancer kills has reduced drastically, and one thing that helps overcome the condition quickly in people who are already suffering from it is early detection. Reporting symptoms early enough, when they are still mild, can help control the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Can Foods Prevent Cancer?

Different preventive measures have been discussed among different researchers for decades. Although no preventive measure has been declared perfect and sufficient for cancer prevention, they can help reduce your chances of suffering from the health condition.

Studies have shown that diet regulation is one of the most effective preventive measures against any type of cancer. However, no diet can be said to give a 100% guarantee of completely preventing cancer. However, due to certain natural properties occurring in them, especially their antioxidant properties, they may have promising abilities to help reduce cancer risks.

This article is stuffed with foods that can help beat down your chances of suffering from cancer. Below are some anticancer foods;

6 Anti-Cancer Foods

Beans

Beans are healthy sources of numerous nutrients, and some of the most active nutrients in beans include protein and fiber. In the case of cancer prevention, the fiber in beans is the most important property needed in the beans. Studies have demonstrated that the fiber content in beans is enough to reduce colorectal cancer risks and amounts to a whopping 75% colorectal cancer risk reduction!

Further studies showed that those who consume beans are 2 times less likely to suffer from colorectal cancer than those who do not consume beans. Thus, you should add beans to your diet. Eating beans at least once every week can help you prevent some kinds of cancer and supply your body with sufficient fiber.

Carrots

Some researchers have been able to link carrot consumption to reduced cancer risk. This is because studies carried out on a group of smokers showed that smokers who are not huge fans of carrot end up in the hospital with lung cancer and are 3 times more than smokers who eat carrots. In other words, smokers who do not eat carrots have about 3 times more chances of suffering from lung cancer than smokers who eat carrots.

Coupled with this, further research showed that carrot consumption can reduce prostate cancer risks by up to 15% and stomach cancer risks by about 25%.

Carrots’ ability to reduce cancer risks is courtesy of their natural properties like antioxidants. You should consider incorporating carrots into your diet. You can make smoothies and make vegetable or fruit salad out of them. You can as well add them to your dishes.

Apples

“One apple a day keeps the doctor away” is not completely a myth. This is because apples contain natural properties that do not just prevent cancers but also reduce the risks of some severe health conditions to the barest minimum. Some of these health conditions include severe inflammation and infections and severe cardiovascular health conditions, among others.

Studies have shown that polyphenol, one of the most active compounds in apples, has anticancer effects. This compound begins by preventing cell death and the accumulation of dead cells to form cancer. Also, in cases of people who already have cancer, the polyphenol in apples can inhibit the growth of the cancerous cells, thereby increasing your chances of living longer. Studies have shown that apples are known to prevent breast cancer effectively.

You should consider following that adage, eat one apple and keep the doctor and his needles away.

Fish

One of the best ways to eat healthily is by eating fish. Fish does not only contain protein. It is also packed with a healthy oil that can improve heart health and also reduce the risks of some chronic health conditions. Fish, especially oily fish,, are loaded with a kind of fatty acid commonly known as omega 3 fatty acids that have shown promising results in reducing cancer risks. Some of these dishes include; herring, salmon, mackerel, and tuna.

Studies have shown that consuming these can help reduce prostate cancer by up to 37% and breast cancer by a reasonable percentage. Thus, you should eat more fish and encourage those around you to do the same too. You can boil them and add healthy and natural spices to them to make a good meal. You should also avoid fried or grilled fish, as studies have shown that they may increase your cancer risks due to their preparation method(frying and grilling).

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds have been discovered to be loaded with some natural properties that effectively eliminate cancer risks. According to research, one of the dominant compounds in flax seeds is omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it effective in preventing cell death and accumulation that may trigger cancer cell growth. It can also inhibit and suppress the growth of tumor cells and cancerous cells. This research showed that the higher the consumption of flaxseeds, the lower your risk of suffering from cancer, especially breast cancer. Flaxseed is a healthy plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids.

It is best to consume ground flaxseed, as they work effectively in this state. You can grind them and sprinkle the powder on your healthy beverages.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are easily recognized for their high antioxidant properties. These antioxidants are effective in preventing oxidative damage and getting rid of free radicals, both of which are factors that can lead to the death of healthy cells and the growth of cancerous ones. Most cruciferous vegetables have surplus vitamin C properties, and vitamin C is their major source of natural antioxidants. Coupled with their vitamin C and other antioxidants, they are also packed with glucosinolate, a natural property that helps inhibit tumor growth and cancer cell growth.

Some cruciferous vegetables include; turnips, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, chard, and cauliflower, among others.

Other anticancer foods include;

• Berries
• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Citrus fruits
• Nuts
• Tomatoes
• Olive oil

Conclusion

There are different types of cancers, all of which can be life-threatening. Although, the major causes are not known yet. However, some risk factors that can increase your chances of suffering from the condition have been identified. Also, there is no perfect and guaranteed prevention against the condition. However, some lifestyles, habits, and diets can help slow down or stop some of the processes that may lead to cancer cell growth. One soundest way to prevent cancer is by adding antioxidant-rich foods to your diet. However, ensure that they are neither fried nor grilled.