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10 Cancer-Fighting Foods You Should Befriend

Cancer is a global disease that has created havoc for humankind – be it any age, race, or nationality, this is one disease that the best of doctors have not been able to avoid or eradicate. Unfortunately, many of us also ignore important cancer-fighting foods.

While a lot of research is already underway to find its treatment and eradication, many health experts attribute the occurrence and spread of this deadly disease to the below causes:

Exposure to toxins
Deficiency of certain nutrients
Genetic factors
Poor diet

From the above, a poor diet is one cause that we can tackle. Along with this, it also makes great sense to keep a tab on and avoid food items that increase the risk of cancer.

Carrots have a lot of beta-carotene, giving them their distinctive orange colour. According to recent research, beta-carotene is essential for immune system support and may shield against several cancers. Beta-carotene may lower the chance of developing breast and prostate cancer. Another study demonstrates a 26% reduction in the incidence of stomach cancer with increased carrot intake.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Some food items that you should avoid:

Fried, burnt and overly-cooked food
Processed meat
Food additives
Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages

Here are some cancer-fighting foods that should find a place on your platter:

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great contender in this list of cancer-fighting foods that you must eat on a regular basis. But one piece of advice – steam it or have it raw rather than microwaving it.

Blueberries

Make those blueberries an integral part of your regular diet. They are loaded with antioxidants and therefore neutralize the free radicals. You can also alternate your diet with other members of the berry family such as raspberries, cherries, and strawberries.

Kiwi

Loaded with Vitamin C and Vitamin E, this green wonder is a super powerful food that helps to fight cancer effectively.

Walnuts have a chemical called pedunculagin. It gets converted into urolithins in the human body. Compounds called urolithins attach to oestrogen receptors and may help to stave off breast cancer. I strongly recommend adding walnuts to your daily diet to try and keep cancer at bay.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Garlic

Garlic can boost the immune system, thanks to its abundant sulfur compounds. It is this powerful capability that also helps it to control tumour growth and the spread of cancer.

Herbs and spices

The spice that tops this list is Turmeric. Loaded with curcumin, which is an excellent cancer-fighting ingredient, turmeric not only decreases tumour size but also helps fight colon and breast cancer. Other spices that help boost the immune system include basil, parsley, ginger, thyme, cayenne pepper, and oregano.

Tea

Many studies suggest that women who consume at least two cups of black tea on a regular basis are at less risk of contracting ovarian cancer.

Beans

Black beans also play a significant role in fighting cancerous cells. They are known to help fight the growth of colon cancer, thanks to the high levels of fatty acid called butyrate in them.

Apples

The natural fibre in apples ferments in the colon and controls the formation of cancer cells.

Beans sprouts

Beans sprouts are a rich source of sulforaphane, one of the essential anti-cancer compounds from a natural source.

Cabbage

Cabbage is rich in bioflavonoids that protect the body cells from free radical damage and also shun tumour growth. Cabbage is known to even fight other forms of cancer such as that of the ovaries and the uterus.

Also Read: Exploring the Link: What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month-Diet That Can Help You Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Do you find yourself wondering whether your meals are healthy enough? Did you know that certain types of foods can increase inflammation in your gut and make you vulnerable to increased risk of Colorectal Cancer? Which food groups are these – carbohydrates, fats or protein? We’ve got you all the answers in a nifty infographic that simplifies it all. Check it out below and share it with your loved ones.

Also Read: Is Bowel Leakage a Sign of Cancer? Unpacking Oncology-Related Symptoms

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide. Various known and unknown risk factors may influence the probability of a person getting diagnosed with cancer. While some factors are not in our control, a healthy diet and lifestyle is something that can always benefit our health and reduce the chances of several diseases. You must maintain a healthy lifestyle along with eating healthy and also learn to manage stress to reduce the risk of this type of cancer. Exercise regularly, take control of your body weight, quit smoking and stay in touch with your health care provider about when you need screening and which tests must be done.