It is well known fact that unhealthy diet can lead to cancer. What is more, it has been estimated that around 1/3rd of all deaths caused by a cancer are related to inadequate diet.
Cancer Fighting Foods
Anti-cancer diet should consist of variety of foods rich in substances with cancer fighting properties. Such foods can lower risk of developing cancer and help to inhibit growth of cancer cells.
Avocado and PapayaAvocados are excellent source of antioxidants, such as glutathione that fight off damage from free radicals. They are also rich in potassium and beta-carotene. Avocado protects the heart, treat digestive disorders and liver diseases. Papaya is rich in vitamin C, powerful antioxidant that protects against carcinogens from the soil and processed foods. It is also rich in folic acid that can reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Cruciferous VegetablesBroccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain phytochemicals such as sulphoraphane that is helpful in preventing colon and rectal cancer. These vegetables are also rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Chemical component indole-3-carbinol found in cruciferous vegetables fights against breast cancer.
CarrotsCarrots are great source of beta-carotene and have protective qualities against various types of cancer including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast. Another substance found in carrots is falcarinol that may prevent a cancer.
Peppers
Chili peppers can help to kill cancer cells and prevent stomach cancer due to their active ingredient known as capsaicin.
Garlic
Garlic promotes the immune system due to its compounds. This way it fights cancer but it has been also shown that garlic reduce the risk of stomach, colon, esophagus and breast. Garlic slows down progression of a cancer as well. Additionally, garlic lowers blood cholesterol and protects the heart.
Citrus Fruits
Grapefruit, orange and other citrus fruits are rich source of monoterpenes that help in cancer prevention. Also, these fruits are rich in folic acid, beta-carotene and vitamin C that reduce oxidative stress.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms like Shiitake, reishi, maitake, Agaricus blazei Murill and Coriolus Versicolor are cancer fighting foods. They contain compound called Lentinan that build the immune system. Lecitin found in these mushrooms inhibits cancer cells and their abnormal growth.
Berries
Berries are rich in vitamins, minerals and plant chemicals known as anthocyanins that help to prevent a cancer. Black raspberries reduce the risk of esophageal tumors and colon cancer.
Soybeans
Soy and soy products such as tofu and soy milk contain phytoestrogens similar to hormone estrogen. Phytoestrogens protect against breast and prostate cancer. Soybeans and soy foods are also rich in isoflavones, which are class of phytoestrogens that inhibit growth and spreading of cancer cells. However, soy should be consumed moderately because it is believed that too much soy in a diet may stimulate cancer growth.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant lycopene that has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate, cervical and ovarian cancer. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C that protects the body from tissue and cell damage. Tomato products have the same properties.
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