In today's society, cancer has become a menace. As a result, experts keep looking for ways to prevent or reduce cancer, especially since it's untreatable past certain stages. But did you know that you can reduce cancer through foods near you?
Usually, healthy eating is mainly focused on preventing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Now, cancer has joined this league. Here are some of the foods you can consume to prevent cancer.
You might not like how green tea tastes, but it is one of the foods that help reduce the risk of cancer. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps retard cancer growth. It also contains catechins that have the same impact. Green tea also has polyphenols, which is a type of antioxidant, and your body easily absorbs them.
Garlic usually causes stinky breath, but that shouldn't be reason enough for you to avoid it. Garlic has sulfur compounds that help prevent cancer-causing substances from accumulating in your body. Moreover, these compounds kill cancer cells, as well as hasten DNA repair.
Garlic also fights specific bacteria, such as H. pylori, which is linked to stomach cancer. Research indicates that taking garlic also reduces your risk of getting esophageal, colon, breast, and pancreatic cancers.
To get these cancer-fighting effects from garlic, you have to prepare it in a specific way. You must peel and chop the garlic cloves, then let them sit for about 15 minutes before cooking. Doing this helps activate enzymes that release useful compounds.
Strawberries and raspberries are also effective in reducing the growth of cancer cells. These berries have antioxidants, including ellagic acid and vitamin C. The former is a phytochemical, and it has been tested to have anticancer properties. It activates enzymes that not only slow the growth of tumors but also battle cancer-causing substances.
These berries also contain flavonoids, which reduce the effects of an enzyme that destroys DNA. The enzyme is also known to result in lung cancer. Some of the cancers that these berries battle include bladder, skin, breast, esophagus, and lung cancers. You might consider mixing these berries with others that have antioxidant properties. They act efficiently as protective foods.
Broccoli is one of the vegetables that are easily available in the market, and it can help reduce the risks of cancer. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are phytochemicals that produce protective enzymes. They get released when you chew raw broccoli.
However, these enzymes are also produced in your intestines, but in low quantities. So, when you consume raw or cooked broccoli, these enzymes get activated when it passes through your intestines. Broccoli also contains sulforaphane, which is a protective enzyme that could reduce the risk of cancer.
Additionally, it helps detoxify your body from harmful, cancer-causing substances such as smoke and some environmental pollutants. When you include broccoli in your diet, you can minimize the risk of lung, prostate, breast, colon, liver, bladder, stomach, mouth, and esophagus cancers.
Turmeric is also among the foods that may reduce cancer. It is a spice that contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is being researched for its potential use in cancer treatment. Curcumin could help control tumor size and prevent various types of cancers, such as breast and colon cancer.
Besides, it can minimize oxidative stress on body cells. That's why it is believed to help destroy breast cancer cells. Since turmeric is a spice, you can use it in several meals, including stir-fries and curries. It also pairs well with most dishes.
Carrots are always present in most kitchens, and you can easily find them in the market. Carrots have beta-carotene, an antioxidant that could contribute to the slow growth of cancer cells. Additionally, it might protect the cells from toxin damage.
That notwithstanding, carrots contain phytochemicals that could reduce the risk of certain cancers. They also contain vitamins that have protective qualities. Some of the cancers that scientists believe carrots could prevent include pharynx, mouth, breast, larynx, stomach, and esophagus. The antioxidant properties of carrots could also help protect you against cervical cancer.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.