Cancer, the word itself gives me shivers.
However,there are ways to prevent cancer.And no,it is not at all expensive.Believe it or not,its through a proper nutritious diet.It is well known that fruits and vegetables consumption reduces the risk of cancer.But,there are much more cancer fighting food.Here are a few of those cancer preventing food:
1. Avocados
They are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. They are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientist assume that avocados may be useful in treating viral hepatitis, and other sources of liver damage.
2.Grapes and pomegranates
They contain powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives.Grapes contain ellagic acid, a compound that blocks enzymes that are necessary for cancer cells – this appears to help slow the growth of tumors.Pomegranates helps reduce cancer,heart disease and strokes.
3.Carrots
They contain a lot of beta carotene, which helps reduce many cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast.However,it is important not to cook the carrots as the cancer cells might grow gradually if done so.
4.Chili peppers and jalapenos
They contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances ( nitrosamines ) and help prevent stomach cancers.
5.Cruciferous vegetables
Such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that help decrease prostate and other cancers.Broccoli,cabbage and cauliflower have a chemical called
indole-3-carbinol that fights breast cancer.Broccoli and sprouts, are believed to aid in preventing colon and rectal cancer.
6.Figs
They have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors.
7.Tumeric
Tumeric is believed to have medicinal capabilities because it restrains production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), hence reduces inflammatory diseases and cancers, particularly bowel and colon cancer.
8.Garlic,onions,leeks and chives.
Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds that increases the number of immune cells fighting cancer,hence indirectly helping to break down cancer causing substances. These immune cells also help block any future cancer developments.Garlic may also help prevent stomach cancer because it has anti-bacterial effects against a bacterium.Onions, leeks and chives lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.
9.Nuts
They contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers. Brazil nut contains selenium, which is important for reducing prostate cancer.
10.Oranges, lemons and Grapefruit
They contain monoterpenes,which helps prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body.They also contains vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid.Oranges and lemons contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells such as lymphocytes break down cancer-causing substances.
11.Papayas
They have vitamin C,that acts as an antioxidant and reduces absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folic acid, which minimizes cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.
12.Sweet potatoes
They contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which protects the DNA from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.
13.Tomatoes
They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules(free radicals). An increased intake of lycopene has been said reduce risk of breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and rectal cancer.
14.Teas: Green Tea and Black tea
They contain certain antioxidants called polyphenols,which prevents cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is the best.Dry green tea leaves may also reduce the risk of cancer in the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas.
15.Seaweed and other sea vegetables(algae)
They contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll and chlorophylones
– important fatty acids that help to fight against breast cancer.
Now, its your turn to increase your ‘cancer preventing food’ intake and live a long,healthy cancer-free life.
