15 Foods That Help Prevent Cancer
It is strange but cancer can hit anyone, even the healthiest of people. So, what can one do to keep this disease at bay? Well, to begin with, you can make dietary changes or include anti-cancer foods or cancer-fighting foods in your diet. Here is a list of foods that can prevent cancer from spreading in your body:
1. Garlic
Most people love the strong flavour and pungent taste of this root vegetable, but not all know that it is one of the best foods for battling cancer. Garlic is loaded with metabolizing enzymes, which not only help in preventing the cancer cell-division but it also flushes out the reactive oxygen and negates the action of cancer-causing agents or carcinogens.
How Much And How to Consume
You can easily consume 2 to 3 garlic cloves in a day. You can mince, crush or eat them as a whole; it is best to consume them raw.
2. Broccoli
Most of us remember our moms feeding these green florets to us when we were children, even though we despised it so much. But little did we know back then that broccoli not only contains ample vitamins and minerals for our body but it also helps in keeping various kinds of cancers at bay and is also one of the best options in the list of oral cancer-fighting foods. Broccoli contains anti-carcinogenic compounds, which are beneficial in combating the cancer cells. This green veggie also contains a compound known as isothiocyanates, which can help in preventing the risk of cancer.
How Much And How to Consume
You should consume broccoli at least 4 to 5 times a week. The best way to consume this veggie is by blanching or steaming it as you can derive optimum benefits in this manner.
3. Blueberries
These vibrant coloured yummy berries are not only loaded with many important nutrients but they can also help save you from cancer. Blueberries contain phenolic compounds, which are not only effective in protecting our DNA from oxidative damage but it also helps in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory molecules. Blueberries also contain anthocyanidins, a compound that prevents the development of blood vessels that support the cancer cells.
How Much And How to Consume
Ideally, you should consume approximately half a cup of blueberries in a day. These berries should be consumed in their fresh form to obtain maximum benefits.
4. Carrots
The crunchy, sweet and bright coloured carrots are high in beta-carotene, a compound that is one of the most potent cancer-fighting agents. The high amount of beta-carotene in carrots is an antioxidant that not only helps in building a stronger immune system but also prevents and helps fight cancer.
How Much And How to Consume
A bowlful of fresh carrots can be munched every alternate day. It is best to eat them in their raw form.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric is a widely used spice in Indian kitchens which not only imparts a rich colour to the dish but also offers many health benefits as far as cancer is concerned. Curcumin is a biologically active compound that is present in turmeric. This compound contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties that help in suppressing the uncontrollable cell division and the progression of cancer cells. Turmeric is also fruitful in down-regulating the signalling pathways of an oncogene or cancer-causing genes.
How Much And How to Consume
It is safe to consume up to half a teaspoon of turmeric powder on a daily basis. Alternatively, you can consume half an inch of turmeric root per day. One of the best ways to consume turmeric is by adding it to a glass of warm milk and having it on an empty stomach.
6. Papaya
Not just the fruit but the leaves of the papaya tree too can help prevent cancer. Papaya is loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains compounds that protect the cells of the body from any kind of cell damage. Papaya leaf extract can also prevent some kinds of cancer such as prostate cancer.
How Much And How to Consume
Papaya is a yummy and nutritious fruit, which you can include in your diet every alternate day. You can wash, peel the skin and cut the fruit into pieces. A serving of one bowl is recommended.