Cancer is the leading cause of death in people under the age of 50. It's also the leading cause of death in the population as a whole. To date, there is no one cure for cancer. However, some effective treatments and therapies are available that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Some foods are believed to help fight cancer. This article discusses the top five best foods to help fight cancer.
The benefits of garlic have been known since ancient times. It has been used throughout history as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. One Harvard study found that eating 3 cloves a day reduces the recurrence of head and neck cancers by 48%. A recent study published in Nutrition Journal suggests protecting against pancreatic cancer. Garlic also appears to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It contains sulfur compounds called thiols, which are particularly beneficial to DNA. Garlic also helps prevent free radical damage. Garlic also contains selenium. Selenium is important because studies show its deficiency speeds up cell division – the very thing our body tries to slow down when we develop cancer.
Other benefits include treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and even kidney stones. Garlic has been proven to help reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, boost immune function, prevent cancer, ease symptoms of menopause, fight infection, lower your LDL or 'bad' cholesterol, and possibly prevent Alzheimer's disease and colon cancer.
Blueberries contain anthocyanins which give them their color, and they also appear to help with weight management accounts in animal studies. In addition, blueberries are loaded with fiber and powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, B vitamins like folate and niacin, potassium, copper, and manganese. Blueberries also contain phytochemicals called ellagic acid, which kill tumor cells. This isn't to say you should eat a bowl full of berries every day or drink it instead of water, but it might be wise to increase your daily intake of this delicious berry.
Berries also help fight inflammation. Inflammation has long been linked to cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. The nutrients in berries will therefore make you healthier inside and out.
Broccoli is packed full of cancer-fighting nutrients like sulforaphane, phenolic acids, flavonoids, indoles, lignans, phytoestrogens, and many more. Sulforaphane activates detoxification enzymes, thereby protecting the liver from toxins. Phenolics activate enzymes that neutralize carcinogens that cause mutations in normal cells but become more potent at mutating defective cells. Indoles modulate estrogen receptors and stop abnormal cell proliferation. Lignans inhibit the growth of breast tumors in mice. Phytoestrogen is thought to prevent hormone-driven cancers like breast cancer. Broccoli is also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iodine, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin K and potassium. This makes it valuable for treating several conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, dementia, and depression. Combining these nutrients makes broccoli a great food to help fight cancer.
Eggs are an excellent nutritional powerhouse that can help fight cancer. They contain choline necessary for proper brain functioning and supports healthy liver function. Choline is also helpful for maintaining bone health and may lower your risk of stroke. Eggs are also rich in vitamin D, which plays a role in reducing cancer rates. A large egg contains about 100 calories and 6 grams of protein. Egg yolks are rich in vitamin A, choline, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, omega fats, lecithin, lycopene (which protects the skin), vitamin D, lutein riboflavin, and selenium.
Tomatoes contain lycopene, another powerful cancer fighter, vitamin K, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals. Lycopene helps fight prostate and lung cancer, and tomatoes also help reduce blood cholesterol and triglycerides. These things make tomatoes one of the best foods to help fight cancer. Tomatoes come in various colors, so pick up some green, red and yellow varieties as well!
The bottom line is that you have multiple options for choosing what foods to include in your diet to avoid cancer. Berries, broccoli, eggs, and tomatoes all offer powerful benefits against cancer, while other fruits, veggies, and grains are packed with antioxidant power too. As always, pay attention to portion size and moderation when adding any new food into your diet. If eating healthy foods tastes good, then everyone would do it. So don't worry if you end up getting bored with your current food choices as you keep developing new ideas for what to add to your plate.
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.