The food that we consume plays an important role in building up our immunity and lessen the risks of developing a disease, ranging from the common cold to even cancer. The right food can help you reduce the risks associated with developing diseases like cancer due to the presence of certain natural components. However, it is noteworthy that these will not provide complete protection.
Here are the top 8 cancer-fighting foods which will help you to reduce the risks of developing cancer:
Berries
Berries help in reducing the risk of developing prostate, colon, and esophageal cancers. Strawberries, blueberries cranberries, raspberries, or blackberries contain antioxidants and powerful tumor blocking compounds. The antioxidants aid in getting rid of the free radicals in the body that can damage the cells. And, the tumor blocking compound contributes to slow down the production of cancer cells.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which not just gives it a red color but also helps in reducing the risks of developing cancer due to its anti-cancer properties. Be it raw or cooked, tomatoes lowers the risk of prostate cancer.
Apples
Apples are extremely good for health due to their nutrient and vitamin content. It also contains the plant-based compound, polyphenols, which is said to have anti-cancer properties. Moreover, this compound is also said to be beneficial for infections, inflammation, and preventing cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that the polyphenol phloretin has anti-cancer properties and it also blocks the growth of breast cancer cells.
Walnuts
Nuts like walnuts contain cancer-preventing properties. Walnuts contain pedunculagin, which is metabolized to urolithins in the body. Urolithins in turn aids in reducing the risks of breast cancer by binding with estrogen receptors.
Citric fruits
Studies suggest that citric fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols. These are instrumental in reducing the risk of cancer along with other health benefits like slowed down the aging process and regulated blood pressure. The antioxidants also protect the cells by helping in eliminating the free radicals from the body. The zest of citric fruits also helps in boosting the body’s production of detoxifying enzymes.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain vitamin C and K, and other compounds like manganese and sulforaphane, which has anti-cancer properties. It works by inhibiting the growth of the cancer cells. Moreover, when sulforaphane is combined with genistein (a compound found in soya bean), it considerably reduces the development of breast tumors.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in nutrients, vitamins A, and K and also antioxidant beta carotene. Beta carotene not just lends orange color to carrots, but it plays a vital role in giving a boost to the immune system and reduce the risk of cancers.
Fish
Fatty fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin B, which are good for heart health. Studies also suggest that people whose diet consists of fatty fish like salmon or mackerels or fish oil have lower chances of developing prostate or colon cancer.
