Cancer is one of the diseases that people fear and dread the most, but it turns out that you can lower your cancer risk through the food you're eating. Experts have long believed that healthy food like fruits and vegetables can help ward off cancer.
Julie Silver, a nutritional therapist and author of the book "Food Awakening -- Nutrition for NOW," told Express Online that an anti-cancer diet does not include food that is laden with artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, and flavors. Processed foods with low or does not have nutrition content should be avoided as well if you want to lower your cancer risk.
Silver also warned people against their consumption of sugar because it feeds cancer cells. Some foods high in sugar are cakes, ice cream, pastries, jam, and soft drinks.
Zoe Martin of Discount Supplements, a bodybuilding supplements supplier based in England, said the most effective cancer-fighting foods are those containing phytochemicals, which are bioactive compounds that give fruits and vegetables bright colors. Some examples of this are tomatoes, cherries, and raspberries, which are antioxidant fruits that protect cellular DNA from damages.
According to Martin, "the brighter/deeper the shade, the better," Express Online further reported. She advised to prioritize eating colorful vegetables (e.g. carrots, leafy greens, broccoli, squash) along with brightly-hued fruits.
Beetroot, radishes, spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, legumes, and cabbage also help prevent cancer. These vegetables can ward off cancer cells particularly in the lungs, stomach, and pancreas.
Martin also mentioned the anti-cancer capabilities of garlic and onions. These foods, which are often used as seasoning, help stop the growth of cancerous tumors. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in fish like salmon and tuna, have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and are likely to manage or prevent cancer as well.
Soy, flaxseed, walnuts, and whole grains also lower cancer risk, the American Institute for Cancer Research listed. Whole grains are good sources of fiber, magnesium, proteins, and other healthy compounds. Some examples of whole grains are brown rice, corn, barley, oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and sorghum.
Despite the healthy benefits of fruits and vegetables, they can be dangerous and potentially cancerous for you too if they are unwashed. Make sure to wash fruits and vegetables properly before eating them because they could hide dirt and other contaminants, especially in leafy veggies, Cancer.net warned.
Raw or undercooked fish, beef, egg, and shellfish are also potential cancer-carriers. Unpasteurized drinks and soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk are dangerous as well, along with deli-prepared salads with egg, ham, chicken, or seafood.
