Recent anti-cancer research has identified specific foods and food elements that can offer protection against cancer. Here’s a list of cancer fighting foods.
Kale is a vegetable with green or purple leaves that is extremely nutrient-dense and carries glucosinolates that provide cancer preventive benefits. Research has shown that kale can help prevent against cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary, and prostate.
Cherries contain multiple phytochemicals and nutrients including dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer, and consuming high amounts of dietary fiber may help people control their weight. Also, research has shown that cherries help improve pain and physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.
Cabbage is another leafy vegetable. It’s also packed full of cancer fighting phytochemicals called glucosinolates. Glucosinolates help the body get rid of carcinogens, which are known to cause cancer.
Ginger is a plant native to Asia that has been used as an herbal remedy for upset stomach, inflammation in people with arthritis, motion sickness and as a spice for cooking. Research suggests that ginger may also be an aid in cancer prevention.
Collard greens are part of the cabbage and broccoli family and are known for their thick, slightly bitter leaves. Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley have recently discovered that collard greens contain nutrients that help fight viruses, bacteria and cancer.
Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, is known to be packed full of nutrients such as folate, potassium, dietary fiber and magnesium. Similar to cabbage, research has also discovered the presence of cancer-fighting phytochemicals called glucosinolates.
The onion, a round vegetable with an edible bulb, is known for its pungent taste and smell. However, research has found that onions contain chemicals that have potential anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties.
Garlic, a vegetable related to the onion, is a bulb shaped plant that is used for flavoring in cooking. Preliminary research has shown that garlic may reduce the risk of developing cancer, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Blueberries are a fruit that are high in dietary fiber and vitamin C. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and urolithins that can help fight against cancer.
Spinach leaves are known to contain large amounts of vitamin C, vitamins and minerals. However, a new research study has discovered that spinach can help protect against aggressive prostate cancer
Beans are full of folate and dietary fiber, which can have numerous health benefits including lowering cancer risk and helping with weight control.
Flaxseed is a fiber crop that is grown in cooler parts of the world. Along with being high in dietary fiber, researchers have also identified alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fat. Dietary fiber is known to help reduce the risk of cancer while the presence of ALA increases anti-inflammatory properties.
Tomatoes are red because of a phytochemical called lycopene. There is research that suggests foods containing lycopene could protect against forms of cancer, including prostate cancer.
Walnuts are packed full of nutrients including high amounts of polyphenols, which can have antioxidant properties. Walnuts also contain alpha-linolenic acid and ellagic acid which research has shown, can help with the prevention of cancer.
Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world but you may be surprised to find out that it is packed full of polyphenol compounds. These polyphenol compounds are antioxidants and may help with cancer prevention.
Turmeric is a spice that is grown in parts of Asia and India and contains curcumin. Curcumin is scientifically proven to help with the prevention of certain types of cancer.
Grapes are one of the most popular fruits in the world and come in many different varieties. You might be surprised to know that some studies show that the skin on a grape contains certain chemicals that may help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Winter squash are vegetables that contain certain carotenoids, dietary fiber and vitamin C. Research has shown that the presence of these chemicals in food can help with preventing cancer.
One of the world’s most consumed beverages, coffee, also contains many different phytochemicals which can have antioxidant properties. According to many studies, coffee is known to help with the prevention of certain types of cancer.
Source: Daily Rx
