6 Healthy Foods to Prevent Cancer

6 Healthy Foods to Prevent Cancer

People may say otherwise, but the quality of food determines the quality of life. In the world of ready-to-eat food, people often forget the major health threat, cancer. The food habit does impact the progress of cancer cells as cancer and lifestyle habits go hand in hand. However, certain types of food can keep cancer away, especially food rich in antioxidants. Here’s what foods you should eat.

1.  Broccoli
Broccoli and the other vegetables of the same family have potent anti-cancer properties. They contain glucosinolates which produce protective enzymes when passed through the digestive system. These enzymes help the body to detoxify harmful chemicals, which lower the risk of cancer. Broccoli is also best known for being an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. It has proven to be effective against breast, prostate, lung, colon, mouth, esophagus, and stomach cancer.

2. Carrots
Carrot is kind of an all-rounder when it comes to nutrition. Carrots are loaded with vitamin A, vitamin K, calcium, among others. Carrot also has cancer-fighting properties. It is a rich source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that protects cell membranes from toxin damage. Hence, carrots are believed to slow the growth of cancer cells. This vegetable also contains falcarinol, a natural pesticide that negates the effect of toxins in the body.

3. Kale
Kale has become a part of everyone’s meals. It is not just a rich source of antioxidants but also has several other beneficial compounds, including vitamin A, B1, B6, C, K, and minerals like copper, manganese, and calcium. Kale has the powerful medicinal property of healing. In other words, kale is an antiseptic with the goodness of nutrition. It is considered to be a strong firewall against prostate and colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

4. Flaxseeds
Flaxseed has high fiber content; hence it should be included in the diet. It is also rich in omega3, which is known to improve the health of the brain. Additionally, flaxseed is also a cancer-fighting food. It is proven that eating 35 grams of flaxseed will help reduce tumor growth in prostate cancer. Flaxseed is known to decrease the level of estrogens in the body, ultimately linked to cancer prevention.

5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Asian countries and is tremendously popular for having unique medicinal properties. From curing a common cold to treating wounds, turmeric is also used to kill cancer cells. Curcumin, a chemical substance in turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, and skin cancer cells.

6. Olive oil
Olive oil is well-known for its health benefits. It is rich in oleocanthal, antioxidants, and certain acids, which are among the most potent anti-cancer agents. Studies have shown that the extra-virgin olive oil penetrates into the membrane of cancer cells, making them inactive or benign. Healthy consumption of olives and olive oil may help prevent breast cancer and cancer of the digestive system.