by Sobiya N. Moqhul

 

1. Peanuts:

Rich in Vitamin E, peanuts reduces the risk of colon, lung, liver, and other cancers. Have a spoon of peanut butter on a slice of whole grain toast for a filling cancer-fighting snack.

2. Grapefruit:

Oranges, grapefruits, broccoli all of them are high in Vitamin C. This element prevents the formation of cancer-causing nitrogen compounds. Grapefruits, Oranges, grapefruits, broccoli and other fruits reduce the risk of esophagus, bladder, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach and colon cancer. So remember to fill your plates with veggies and fruits every day.

3. Berries:

Berries top the charts when it comes to cancer fighting foods. Raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries are very promising potential to help prevent cancer. Pterostilbene, an antioxidant found in berries is a storehouse of cancer fighting properties.

4. Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potato is full of beta carotene. Studies have revealed that consumption of high beta carotene foods reduce the risk of cancers esp. colon, breast, stomach and lung cancers. In a study including premenopausal women who ate a lot of vegetables that included beta carotene like sweet potatoes had lowered their breast cancer risk by half.

5. Wild salmon:

Studies have revealed that eating foods rich in vitamin D will help in blocking the development of blood vessels that feed growing tumors and help stop the proliferation of cancerous and precancerous cells. With very few foods full of Vitamin D one can choose Vitamin D fortified dairy products.

6. Flaxseed:

Omega 3 fatty acids prevents in the growth of cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells and interrupting the growth of cancerous tumor.Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce inflammation. Along with fatty fish, one can also include a tbsp of flaxseed in your daily diet.

7. Turmeric:

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, acts as both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, and prevents cancer by interfering with aspects of cellular signaling. Use it liberally in all your chicken and fish curries.

8. Tea:

Tea contains catechins compounds, these compounds restrict the growth of cancer. In a study done in China, green tea drinkers were found to have a lower risk of developing cancers compared with non-tea drinkers. Tea reduces risk of lung, prostate, colon and breast cancers.

9. Cruciferous vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables consists of small quantities of photonutrients and these naturally occurring nutrients are as important as minerals and vitamins. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage contain phytonutrients which may help inhibit the metabolism of carcinogens and stimulate the body’s production of detoxification enzymes.

10. Tomato:

According to sfgate.com, “A study published in 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that tomatoes, which contain lycopene, help prevent prostate cancer. Lycopene is a strong antioxidant that may also prevent other types of cancers, so Farquhar recommends three servings of tomatoes a week for men and women.”

11. Pomegranates:

Pomegranates are rich in ellagic acid. According to a few studies, ellagic acid slows down cancer cell growth and deactivate cancer-causing compounds. So hog on this fruit in any form, a juice, a salad or milkshakes.

12. Onions:

Again, a food rich in anti-cancer substances including allicin, onions are a staple in Indian dishes. You can also incorporate it through salads or just eating it raw.

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.