12 Foods That Can Potentially Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
There are more than 100 different types of cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, more than $145.9 million was used for cancer research in 2019.
One of the things we are learning is how our daily diets can majorly impact the body’s ability to prevent cancer. Here are 12 foods that can help reduce your risk and point you towards a healthier future.
1. Fish
In various studies, red meat has been shown to be a cause of many cancers. Instead, consider replacing it with fish like salmon or cod. These are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to prevent liver cancer, breast cancer, and many others.
2. Nuts
Overall, a plant-based diet has been shown to decrease the risk of many types of cancers. Nuts, in particular, are a high source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats that are great for the heart. They also are a high source of vitamin E and magnesium, which are necessary for fighting off cancer.
3. Berries
Certain types of cancer, such as colorectal and oral cancers, can be prevented when you have a higher intake of anthocyanins. These are pigments in a plant that have antioxidants found in various types of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and bilberries.
4. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as grapefruit and oranges contain many nutrients and phytocompounds. They also have high levels of vitamin C, which is essential to prevent several types of cancers including pancreatic cancer and colon cancer.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables
This may be a relatively new term for you, but it’s one you’ll want to learn. Cruciferous vegetables are high in sulforaphane. This is a compound found in plants that can decrease a person’s risk of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables include things like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.
6. Carrots
Carrots are an easy vegetable to turn to when you’re looking for cancer-fighting foods. These delicious orange vegetables contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps to protect cell membranes from damage due to various toxins. It also depletes the growth of cancer cells.
7. Cinnamon
You might be surprised to learn that cinnamon is more than what you put on toast. A test showed that cinnamon can decrease the spread of existing cancer cells. Another test revealed that cinnamon killed off cancer cells, which inhibited an existing cancerous tumor from growing.
8. Tomatoes
If you haven’t added tomatoes into your diet, you’ll definitely want to start now. Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps prevent heart disease, and in turn, cancer. They’re also high in vitamins A, C, and E, which are free radicals that help prevent cancer as well.
9. Beans
Beans are an excellent source of fiber that can help fight against colorectal cancer. A recent study showed followed nearly 2,000 people with a history of colorectal tumors. Throughout the study, they found that those who had a higher intake of dried beans in their diet had a decreased risk of tumor recurrence.
10. Turmeric
This spice is not only delicious but incredibly good for you. Turmeric has an active ingredient known as curcumin. The chemical is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant that is great for fighting against certain types of cancers.
11. Garlic
One clove of garlic per day has been shown to decrease your risk of certain cancers. This is because garlic contains sulfur compounds that might make your breath stink, but can also kill various cancer cells from forming in your body. It also fights off bacteria that can lead to the development of colon, breast, and esophageal cancer.
12. Spinach
Instead of turning to simple romaine lettuce, try spinach. This leafy vegetable is high in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that remove unstable molecules from the body before they cause damage, such as cancerous cells.
Conclusion
While certain types of cancers are genetic, there are certain lifestyle changes you can make in your life to reduce your risk of cancer.
Your diet can make a dramatic impact on how your body can fight off cancer cells, such as through heavily processed foods or those high in sugar.
Try switching to a plant and seafood-based diet. It can make a dramatic impact not only on your ability to fight off cancer but will change your mood and energy level, too.