Cancer is recognized as one of the most dreaded diseases affecting millions of people every year around the world. Getting diagnosed with cancer is shattering and the onset of hard times for people. To avoid being a statistic and prevent cancer, people around the world indulge in different things. Buying a cancer protection plan, altering their diet, working out and what not – people do it all to lower down their cancer risk.
Yes, anti-cancer foods exist and play an essential role in minimizing cancer risk. When combined with other lifestyle changes, a cancer prevention diet lowers the risk by improving body function. According to numerous studies, a healthy diet indeed cuts down the risk of cancer.
Top 7 Cancer-prevention foods that lower the risk of cancer
- Cruciferous Vegetables
Radish, Broccoli, Turnip, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Mustard Greens and Brussel Sprouts are vegetables that belong to the Brassicaceae family of vegetables. These vegetables are rich in Sulphur-contain glucosinolates and indole-3-carbinol, both of them improve detoxification function to reduce the risk of various cancers. These vegetables also reduce inflammation and enhance immunity. Studies show that intake of cruciferous vegetables can minimize the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Garlic
Garlic has allicin as the active agent that is known to kill cancer cells. There are many studies that show garlic intake can reduce the risk of many different types of cancer. According to a study conducted on men, garlic intake showed a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Allicin also acts as an anti-inflammatory and has many Sulphur-based ingredients that kill cancer cells. The phytochemicals found in garlic can stop carcinogens to form in the stomach.
Another study showed that intake of garlic is correlated with lowered risk of colorectal tumours.
- Tomatoes
Lycopene found in tomatoes is known as an anti-cancer agent. This compound is known to reduce the growth of bad fat and eventually stop endometrial cell growth. According to a review of 17 studies, both cooked and raw tomatoes can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Not only cancer, but tomatoes also have anti-inflammatory properties and are known to lower the risk of heart disease.
Enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – green vegetables have them all. Not only do they have healthy nutrients, but green leafy vegetables are also low in sodium, fats and calories which makes them the staple anti-cancer diet.
Vegetables like beans are high in fiber and have properties that help in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Other vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach and kale have a high quantity of beta-carotene and Vitamin C which are known compounds that reduce the risk of cancer.
- Berries
Berries contain a high number of anthocyanins which are known to have antioxidant properties and reduce the risk of cancer. Almost all types of berries contain phytonutrients (anthocyanins) that can stop the growth of premalignant cancer cells. For reducing the risk of cancer, blackberries are highly effective as they contain the highest number of phytonutrients. Berries are effective against oral, colon, skin and esophageal cancer.
- Nuts
Nuts are incredibly healthy and have cancer-fighting properties. According to a study, higher consumption of nuts leads to a decreased risk of cancer-related deaths. Some nuts like Brazil nuts have a high quantity of selenium – which is known to decrease lung cancer risk in people with a low selenium level. Another study conducted over the course of 30 years shows that nuts can also lead to a decreased risk of pancreatic, colorectal and endometrial cancer.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a healing spice, known for its several health-promoting properties. Curcumin – the active ingredient in turmeric is an antioxidant and has anticancer effects. Various studies have been conducted to showcase the anticancer properties of turmeric and curcumin. According to one study, curcumin is highly effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells in prostate, breasts, and lungs.
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The foods mentioned above are highly effective in reducing the risk of cancer. However, it is never a foolproof idea, and other precautions must be taken. People should adopt a healthy lifestyle and always have a backup like a cancer protection plan in unexpected times.
Cancer treatment is expensive and being backed by a cancer protection plan helps get over with the financial crunches during the treatment. Insurers like Future Generali offer coverage up to 40 lakhs for both minor and major stage cancer. Apart from adopting healthy eating habits, it is essential to be protected by all means one can.
Disclaimer: This article is strictly meant for educational purpose. Cancer is a serious disease with long-term consequences. The genetically susceptible need more than just diet for prevention. All healthcare and financial decisions should be taken after consultation with a professional. Read my disclosure here.
Cancer Prevention Diet For Everyone, see here
Cancer is getting so common these days, a protection plan is indeed needed. Very informative and helpful post, yet again AM.
Thank you
Things we use daily like turmeric, garlic and tomatoes are so damn important right? Never knew of it before!!
Thank you
Thanks for sharing the details,this is really informative and helpful for many of our friends and family
Thank you
Rate of cancer patients is increasing exponentially in our country and getting a guide like this which helps one to prevent cancer is gold. Thanks for sharing
Thank you
this is a great and a wonderful list. although i incorporate some of these in my diet, but rest were new to me, thanks for the list.
Thank you
This is an informative post. Including these foods in our daily diet isn’t tough and it’s immense health benefits are an added advantage.
This was really informative. I love tomatoes and green leafy vegetables and never knew they are helpful in cancer prevention. Thank you for sharing this.
I have lost someone very close to me to cancer, and just dread this word. staying healthy is good option for everyone and one must do everything in capacity to avoid such a monsterous disease.
HI Doc..
Really good article Thanks
Thank you Ruma
Very informative post.
Keep sharing.
Thank you Rupam
Cancer is now a big deal now, but preventing it is obviously a better option. These are really very common things that I eat regularly,but never knew about their such benefit. Thanks for sharing.. ????
Thanks for reading
You have shared great information here. Quite an insightful post. Will share it with my friends and family
Thank you
I have learnt that it is necessary to eat right and healthy food to maintain good health and overcome illness soon.
True that. Thanks Amrit.
It’s a helpful and informative post. Good to know about the foods to eat to avoid disease like cancer. Diet and exercise surely helps.
That’s true Deeps.
This is really helpful. All those food are easily available at our surroundings .. Thanks for sharing such helpful information.
Thanks Snigdha.
This list sounds really great I can understand how people are looking the ways out there to deal with Cancer. I am sure this list will help many people and will also try my best to follow a regime where I keep all these food items s priority to consume myself and for my family.
That’s very good Jiya.
These superfoods can definitely lower the risk of cancer. One should add these to their diet to not only prevent cancer but to keep other diseases to at bay.
That’s true.
Thanks for sharing such informative post. I am going to add these products intake more now onwards to avoid such situation. As prevention is always better than cure.
That’s good to hear Namrata.
I love tomatoes, garlic and green vegetables! I didn’t know these help prevent cancer! This is a really informative post! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Mrinal
This article is very helpful. I have read alot about the garlic in the deit and even i have included garlic in my daily diet. Thank you for sharing this article.
Thanks Neha
A tremendously helpful resource Amrita. One must try to use this advice for maximum protection from this killer disease.
Thanks Kala.
This Big C has become so rampant and even more dreadful. All we can do is eat well, sleep well and behave well. Thanks for sharing about these foods. They are right there in every kitchen and easy to use.
That’s true.
Wow these food items are so common in our household and they ate so powerful that they could prevent cancer. It’s not even a lot of task to include these items in our diet daily.
Exactly my thoughts too.
There are so many disease, people are suffering from and cancer is one lf them. Thankyoi for sharing such informative and helghel article.
Thanks Prerna
I really liked this post few years back lost one of my family member because of cancer and this is so informative..thanks
Thanks Ruchie.