10 Foods that help fight cancer
Foods that help fight cancer: There are various foods in your local supermarket and greengrocer that can help fight cancer. A well balanced diet offers the best protection when you combine it with regular exercise, nicotine avoidance and regular cancer screenings. Here are the top 10 cancer-fighting foods you need in your kitchen.
Citrus fruits
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is found in many citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, lemons and naartjies. It helps prevent the development of cancer-causing nitrogen compounds. Diets rich in vitamin C help reduce the risk of colon, stomach, cervix, breast and bladder cancers. It is advised to consume vitamin C-rich foods and avoid supplements, as they are less effective.
Berries
The antioxidants found in berries, such as polyphenols and ellagic acid, help to shield your cells from cancers and also assist in boosting the immune system. These antioxidants decrease the likelihood of you developing cancerous cells and rebuild damaged cells.
Grapes
Grapes are high in resveratrol, a natural phytochemical. Resveratrol possess powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that help prevent the damage that cancer causes to cells and tissue.
Broccoli
Broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage all contain isothiocyanate and indole compounds, which blocks cancer-causing cells and slows down the growth in tumors. It also decreases inflammation while beta-carotene helps control abnormal cell growth.
Apples
Apples contains epicatechin, anthocyanins, quercetin and triterpenoids which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to lower the risk of cancer. 80% of the quercetin in apples is found in the skin. Apples aid in the recovery of lung, breast, colorectal and stomach cancers.
Green Tea
Green tea contains potent antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. Catechins (a flavonoid) is well known for its anti-cancer qualities. Green tea contains three times more catechins than most other tea. Green tea slows down — and may completely prevent — colon, liver, breast and prostate cancers! A good reason to have a cuppa!
Walnuts
Walnuts contains high levels of ellagitannins, alpha-linolenic acid, gamma-tocopherol, phytosterols and melatonin that combat breast cancer and colon tumours. Regular consumption of walnuts can improve your wellbeing considerably.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are rich in substances called alpha and beta carotene which the body converts to vitamin A. Zeaxanthin, found in the yellow pigment, assists in preventing damage to the eye’s lens and retina, caused by the sun’s rays. Pumpkin is a superb remedy in the fight against skin cancer.
Garlic
Garlic, onions, scallions, chives, and leeks have sulfur-based compounds and an antioxidant known as quercetin, which contains powerful cancer fighting properties. Regular consumption of food containing garlic may assist in the prevention of stomach and colorectal cancer.
Whole Grains
The saponins and phenols present in grains may lower your risk of breast cancer. The fibre in whole grains affects the levels of estrogens in the body. Estrogen is released into the intestine, the fibre binds with the hormone and moves it out of the body, preventing growth taking place.
Sources:
http://www.joybauer.com/photo-gallery/10-best-foods-for-cancer-prevention.aspx
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http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/?referrer=https://www.google.co.za/
http://healthguides.healthgrades.com/article/10-foods-that-fight-cancer
http://food.ndtv.com/health/world-cancer-day-foods-that-prevent-cancer-694634
http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-topics/foods-for-cancer-prevention
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-10-foods-and-drinks-for-cancer-prevention.html