Nobody wants to suffer from Cancer. It is one of the worst conditions to get affected by, and each one of us would give up anything to avoid and prevent it. Thankfully, research and studies have shown that preventing Cancer doesn’t really require much. You have to look no further than your kitchen to be able to consume certain plant-based foods, which are rich in phytonutrients and help in preventing cancer.
Here are some super foods that aid in winning the war against cancer:
All cruciferous vegetables are rich in nutrients. However, Broccoli happens to be the only one among them that has a really good amount of sulforaphane, an element that helps in boosting the body’s protective agents against cancer, and helps to flush out cancer-causing chemicals.
2. Tomatoes
A research at Harvard proved that around 7-10 helpings of fresh tomatoes every week reduce the risk of cancer by 40%. This is possible because of an active element in them called Lycopene (a carotenoid), which has cancer-prevention properties. It is also an anti-oxidant and helps in reducing the ‘bad’ fat levels from the blood stream.
3. Berries
All kinds of berries are very useful in preventing Cancer. Some of them contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which are extremely helpful in preventing the formation of new blood vessels that could possibly be feeding a tumor. They also control the cancer-causing cells from spreading. Blackberries and blueberries are particularly rich in these.
4. Walnuts
These are extremely helpful in preventing breast and prostate cancers, because of their phytosterols. They block the estrogen receptors of breast cancer cells, and are thus, quite beneficial for women to consume on a regular basis.
5. Garlic
At the first mention of Garlic, people think of a stinky breath. But you will probably stop worrying about the breath anymore once you realize that just one clove a day could save you from colon and stomach cancer. That can happen, thanks to the phytochemicals in garlic that prevent the formation of cancer-causing substances and benefit all the digestive organs in particular.
6. Pulses and Legumes
Pulses contain phytoestrogens and isoflavones. Moreover, a study had indicated that a diet rich in legumes helps in the increase of fatty acid (butyrate) in the body that has protective functions against cancer growing cells. For someone consuming pulses and legumes, chances of breast and colon cancers decrease considerably.
8. Whole Grains
A study at the American Institute for Cancer Research revealed that whole grains help in preventing cancer. They are rich in fiber and anti-oxidants, which lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Brown Rice, pastas, whole wheat breads, barley and oatmeal are perfect items to include in one’s daily diet.