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Your diet is a big part of your health, and if you have the right ingredients on your plate, you may also be able to help prevent cancer from developing. It’s important to work with your doctor to create your own meal plan and menu that is nutritious and potentially fights some of the causes of cancer. Along the way, you’ll also start to look and feel better because of the benefits of some of these cancer-fighting foods. Here are six foods to add to your plate to potentially reduce your risk of cancer.
1. Tomatoes
One of the best foods to start with for top cancer-fighting properties is a tomato. Not only are tomatoes tasty, they are also great to add to your menu to take advantage of their natural cancer-fighting compounds. Tomatoes have carotenoids, which may lower the risk of developing certain cancers of the mouth, lung, larynx, and pharynx. Tomatoes are also high in lycopene, which some studies have suggested lower the risk of prostate cancer.
2. Green Tea
What you drink may also have an impact on your risk of developing cancer. One way you may be able to lower your risk is to regularly have a glass of green tea. Green tea has something called polyphenols. Some research has shown that a polyphenol in green tea, catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate, has helped fight cancer cell reproduction in tumors. This powerful polyphenol has shown incredible promise in research, killing cancer cells and also preventing new cells from growing.
3. Blueberries
A diet rich in yummy blueberries may also have a role in preventing the growth and spread of cancer. Blueberries have a variety of potential cancer-fighting compounds that make them a great choice to add to your diet. Blueberries’ dietary fiber has been linked to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. Studies have also shown that blueberries may be linked to lowering the risk of free-radical damage to the body’s DNA. They may also help prevent inflammation, which is associated with many different types of cancers.
4. Leafy Green Vegetables
Besides regular exercise, yearly physical exams, diagnostic health tests from companies like Harry Stylli led OncoCellMDX, a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables can help you lower your chances of getting cancer. These beneficial vegetables have carotenoids that may help your body fight different types of cancer-causing agents. Scientists have found a link between the carotenoids in dark, leafy green vegetables and the prevention of cancers such as breast, skin, lung, and stomach.
5. Carrots
Munching on a few raw carrots each week may also be beneficial to your ability to fight the development of cancer. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant and a great ingredient to boost your eye health. Beta-carotene may also be linked to healthy cell function and cancer cell inhibition. Carrots are also filled with other beneficial compounds that could improve health and fight cancer, such as phytochemicals, carotenoids, and dietary fiber.
6. Walnuts
If you want an ingredient to help reduce the potential of developing breast or prostate cancer, try walnuts. A handful of walnuts a day, added to a salad, sprinkled in some yogurt, or eaten by themselves, can be a great addition to your daily diet. Research is still being conducted about the benefits of walnuts, but current studies show lots of promise and potential. They may help reduce DNA damage to the body, which could prevent the development of tumors. Walnuts have also been shown to help fight inflammation, another potential risk factor for cancer.
If you want to protect yourself and your family from cancer, your best arsenal of weapons comes from your kitchen. Design a healthy and nutritious menu of top foods from this list to keep your risk from increasing. (See also: 7 Cancer Fighting Foods You Need to Start Eating)
About The Author:
Lisa Smith is a professional writer with years of experience. She is a regular guest blogger on multiple blogs.
