Around the world, cancer is recognized as a serious health problem. Approximately one million people are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. A systemic disease, cancer can have a number of causes. Those causes can include nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposure, extent genetics, and even poor diet. For this reason, it is vital to eat a diet full of nutrients while avoiding environmental factors linked to increasing cancer risk.
The problem that many people encounter today is that modern-day diets are often full of ultra-processed foods. These foods have been linked to a variety of health issues, including bone loss, reduced kidney function, diabetes, and cancer. Complicating matters even more is the way that most people prepare foods, which often strips foods of their inherent nutrients.
According to the National Cancer Institute, as many as one-third of all cancer-related deaths could be associated with the foods we eat. The old adage that we are what we eat could have more truth than we might think. There is a silver lining, however. Many foods contain excellent cancer-fighting properties. This includes antioxidants that work to neutralize free radicals and mitigate the damage they might otherwise cause. Due to the fact that there is not a single element within these foods that is capable of performing all of the work, it is important to consume a balanced diet comprised of a variety of foods. This approach can provide critical support to the body in terms of cancer prevention. Below, we present 12 of the top cancer fighting foods.
1. Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy greens are considered among the most important staples of any health diet due to the fact that they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. At the same time, these veggies are also quite low in fats, calories, and sodium. Focus on including such leafy greens as collard greens, kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, and watercress in your diet to take full advance of their ability to battle cancer. Along with being dense in antioxidants, leafy green vegetables also happen to supply a natural source of glucosinolates, which are known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as the ability to actually shut off carcinogens and prevent tumors from forming or even from metastasizing.
To include these leafy greens in your diet, try adding a few handfuls to your meals each day. If you happen to pack a lunch each day, consider preparing yourself a salad in the morning to bring to work with you. This is a great way to make sure you are including the healthy greens you need in your diet. Even more nutritional benefit can be gained by juicing them, as vegetable juices tend to be easy on the digestion.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, which include such vegetables as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli, are known to high in Vitamin C and incredibly powerful cancer fighters. Many of these vegetables are also excellent sources of glutathione. This substance has earned the nickname of being the master antioxidant because of its ability to scavenge free radicals. Vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are also rich in indoles and sulforaphanes, which have strong antioxidant properties. To take advantage of these powerful vegetables, add one or two to your meals each day. These vegetables can be easily added to soups or can even be roasted.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Berries
Almost all berries are considered premiere antioxidant foods. This includes blueberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, camu camu, goji berries, and blackberries. Another great benefit of these disease fighting foods is that they can be easily added to a variety of different recipes. Considering they are excellent sources of vitamin A and vitamin C, which means they can boost your immunity, it’s even more important to toss a few berries into your daily diet. Whether you include berries in your morning cereal, toss some into a salad at lunch, or have them for a snack, these powerful foods should be part of your daily diet.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Orange Colored Foods
The brightly colored pigments contained in orange colored foods are a clear indication that these foods are chock full of phytochemicals. It is actually the carotenoids found in these foods that provides many potent benefits. Beta-carotene is considered to be a critical nutrient for detoxification, immune functioning, and fighting a variety of cancers. Studies have found that complex carbs, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, have been associated with a lower risk of tumor growth. This is particularly true in regards to the upper digestive tract. To reduce your risk of cancer, make sure you load up your diet with brightly orange colored foods.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Fresh Herbs and Spices
Several fresh herbs and spices, including turmeric, have been shown to contain powerful anti-cancer ingredients. In fact, studies have shown that these herbs and spices are capable of decreasing tumor size. Turmeric can be easily added to stir fries or even combined in a tonic drink. Your goal should be to consume one teaspoon of the spice per day. Turmeric supplements are also available, but remember that fresh is always best for maximum health benefits. In addition to turmeric, try adding spices such as cayenne pepper, thyme, raw garlic, ginger, parsley, basil, and oregano to your diet to reap plenty of healthy benefits.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Organic Meats
Organic meats are highly recommended as powerful cancer fighting foods. This is largely due to the fact that they are considered to be rich in nutrients, including being vitamin B12 dense. Including organic meats is also a great way to remove toxins from the digestive tract and blood by cleansing the liver. The zinc, selenium, and B vitamins contained in organic meats are excellent for purifying the blood while also producing critical bile, which is important to food digestion. These healthy foods can also help to combat the effects of high triglyceride levels, prescription drugs, hormone disruptions, viral infections, and alcohol.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Cultured Dairy Products
Cultured dairy products are considered to be excellent sources of probiotics or good bacteria. Along with helping to boost your immunity, these microorganisms can also encourage a natural bacterial balance in your body. Since the majority of your body’s immune system is contained in your gut, it should come as no surprise that probiotics are important for preventing the growth of tumors while encouraging the renewals of cells. Among the easiest ways to feature cultured dairy products in your diet is to consume raw milk products, like yogurt, kefir, and cheese. Make it a goal to eat at least six ounces of these foods per day.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Nuts and Seeds
Nutrient-dense seeds like flaxseeds and chia seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and numerous minerals. Other seeds, such as sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are also considered highly beneficial to a healthy diet since they are rich in healthy fatty acids. The same is also true for brazil nuts, walnuts, and almonds. These foods can be easily added to your diet by including the in baked goods, smoothies, and yogurt. Make it your goal to consume approximately two tablespoons of these healthy nuts and seeds per day to improve your healthy and help combat the risk of cancer.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]9. Healthy Unrefined Oils
You might not be aware of this, but a good portion of your nervous system is actually comprised of fatty acids. Therefore, it only makes sense that healthy unrefined oils be an important part of a healthy diet for combatting cancer. Unfortunately, the issue is that many of the traditional processed oils and fats on the market today actually contain hydrogenated oils that have been shown to destroy cell membranes. This can ultimately result in toxicity and diseased cells. By comparison, healthy unrefined oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, flax oil, coconut oil, and cod oil promote improved immune function while nourishing the gut.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]10. Mushrooms
Around the world, there are literally hundreds of different types of mushroom species. Because of this, mushrooms can tend to vary widely in terms of not only taste and texture but also health benefits. There are many varieties of mushrooms; however, that are known for their ability to enhance the body’s immune system. Mushrooms have actually been used for many centuries for fighting the growth of tumors. In particular, maitake, cordyceps, and reishi are known for fighting tumor growth, improved immune function, and assisting with cell regeneration. They are available in tincture and capsule form. In addition, they can be easily cooked whole.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]11. Traditional Teas
Cancer can be difficult all the way around, but among the most difficult aspects of this disease is metastasis. When cancer cells begin to proliferate and invade surrounding tissues, the result can be quite serious and even deadly. In fact, this growth of cancer cells is the primary cause of death among patients with cancer. Studies have shown that consuming green teas can actually help to reduce the risk of cancer thanks to the polyphenolic compounds found in the tea. These compounds have been shown to prohibit the invasions of tumors, which is important for inhibiting metastasis. All traditional teas are important for this health benefit, but matcha green tea is believed to contained the highest amount of polypenolic compounds.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]12. Wild Caught Fish
Consumption of fish has been shown to be associated with improved immune function. It should be noted; however, that not just any fish are considered to provide this health benefit. Studies have found that eating small fish, particularly those that are wild caught, offers anti-inflammatory benefits associated with improved nervous system, hormonal, and brain health. This includes mackerel, salmon, and sardines; all of which are high in omega-3. Evidence also indicates there may be a role between the consumption of foods high in omega-3, such as wild caught fish, and tumor prevention as well as mitigating the symptoms associated with chemotherapy treatments.
