Cancer is one of the scariest words a person can hear. When we are told that a food, appliance or activity could possibly be causing us cancer, most people will try to cut it out of their lives. But the problem lately is that there are so many foods on that list, it seems that almost everything we eat could be causing us cancer.
So instead of listing what foods we should be trying to avoid, we went in search of ones that will prevent and help fight against cancer. By adding any of these foods to your everyday meals will give your body and mind the best chance against cancer. The good news is that you probably already eat most of them.
Broccoli
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale are all cruciferous veggies that contain cancer-fighting properties. But what makes broccoli even more brilliant is that it’s full of sulforaphane, which boosts the body’s protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals. A study on mice at the University of Michigan also found that sulforaphane targets cancer stem cells. What’s good enough for mice is good enough for me!
Garlic
This strong tasting potent bulb can help fight against stomach cancers as well as vampires. The phytochemicals in garlic have been found to stop the formation of nitrosamines and carcinogens when you consume nitrates (a common food preservative). So carry some chewy around and enjoy as much garlic as you like.
Berries
Most berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. But black raspberries, in particular (yes black raspberries, not blackberries) contain very high concentrations of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which slow down the growth of premalignant cells and keep new blood vessels from forming and possibly feeding a cancerous tumor.
Walnuts
The phytosterol found in walnuts has been shown to block estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, which means that the growth of the cell is slowed down. Only a handful of walnuts are needed each day to see results.
Tomatoes
This bright red fruit (yes fruit- still gets me every time) contains lupocene, which has been proven to stop endometrial cancer cell growth. Endometrial cancer causes nearly 8,000 deaths a year, so make sure you swap your store bought pasta sauce for a fresh homemade tomato one!
Black and navy beans
Adding half a cup of beans to your meals two or three times a week can significantly reduce your chances of colon and breast cancer. A diet rich in legumes will increase your level of fatty acid butyrate, which has protective effects against cancer growth. Try adding beans to your salad at lunchtime or as a substitute for mince.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms such as shiitake, maitake and reishi, appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system. They have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and can prevent them from multiplying. They also contain polysaccharides, which help build immunity.
Avocados
Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats. This has proved to be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage. An easy way to incorporate avocado into your diet is by using it as a substitute for butter.
Figs
Figs are full of benzaldehyde, an anti-cancer compound that actually shrinks tumours. And as if that wasn’t enough, they also aid in weight loss and fight against bacteria.
Oranges
We know oranges are a rich in Vitamin C, but they also contain bioflavonoids, which are thought to be able to improve the blood lipid (fats) profile, reduce oxidative stress, and improve blood levels of HDL cholesterol.
Do you know of any cancer fighting foods? Have you given up anything that supposedly causes cancer?
