Superfoods to Reduce The Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells appear and multiply through the body, sometimes growing out of control leading to destruction of body tissue and sometimes death. There are multiple kinds of cancer, with different types of treatment available depending on the stage and type. For example, one type is breast cancer, which can be treated with HER2+MBC treatment. Skin cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, and other treatments include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy.
Eating superfoods is one way to lower the risk of cancer. Here are five to try out:
1. Berries
This superfood is a great way to prevent the risk of cancer. They contain antioxidants which are known to guard the body against damage from oxidants, which are molecules that can do damage to a person’s cells and body by causing inflammation and disease. Common factors of harmful lifestyles and environmental stress can cause oxidants to form, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and high blood sugar levels. Eating a berry here and there is a great way to battle the negative effects of these actions and helps to prevent damage in the body.
2. Cruciferous vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and brussel sprouts can help prevent cancer as well. In fact, there are many studies backing up this claim. These types of vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, and also include sulfur containing elements called glucosinolates, which when broken down have been found to prevent DNA damage, tumor growth, and also have antibacterial and antiviral effects on the body.
3. Fatty fish
Eating fat dense fish like salmon can also help with preventing cancer. This type of fish has components called omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have antioxidant properties, help protect the heart, reduce tumors, and in some instances, have shown to cause dangerous cancer cells to self-destruct. In one lab study, omega-3 fatty acids helped to slow down the development of breast cancer in mice.
4. Walnuts
This superfood is a good part of a cancer preventative diet. They contain polyphenols which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and also have phenolic acid in them, which can help improve gut microbiota. This helps to create an anti-cancer environment in the body. Eating a couple nuts regularly also helps to prevent cancer because they contain melatonin, which is known to help with antioxidant defenses and DNA repair, which inadvertently helps to prevent cancer-forming cells within the body.
5. Legumes
This superfood includes lentils, beans, and peas, which are helpful to lower cancer risk. They contain high amounts of fiber which can help prevent certain types of cancer, and other studies have shown that eating them regularly could reduce the risk of tumors and colon cancer as well. In addition to these amazing cancer-preventing benefits, eating this superfood more frequently can help regulate heart rate, support the prevention of heart disease, and also help to prevent diabetes.
Incorporating these cancer-preventing superfoods into your diet is a great way to guard against disease and to help keep your body healthy and supported in the long-term. Research has shown that eating a variety of these superfoods instead of just one type can help increase the effectiveness of them all, so don’t be afraid to try all of them and more!