Before discussing foods that help to prevent cancer. First, we have to know about Cancer. Let’s talk about cancer
What is Cancer?
Cancer is a disease where cells divide uncontrollably causing them to become abnormal. When cancerous cells reproduce at an extremely rapid rate, they begin to invade surrounding normal tissue and may eventually spread throughout the body.
Origin: Cancer originating from a single cell (such as leukemia) or a group of cells (like lymphoma). Most cancers originate in the lining of organs or glands.
Treatment: Treatment methods vary depending on the type of cancer. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Types of Cancer
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Lung cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide. In 2016, 1.8 million people died due to lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking causes 85% of all lung cancers. Other risk factors include secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos exposure, and air pollution.
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Breast cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. About 230,000 cases are diagnosed each year. Women who have a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk. Early detection is still the best way to treat breast cancer, and early diagnosis is key. Symptoms may include lumps, nipple discharge, pain, swelling, skin changes, and thickening of the breast tissue.
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Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among males. The National Institute of Health estimates that about 164,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2014. Risk factors include age, race, diet, obesity, family history, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and certain medical conditions.
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Colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. More than 150,000 people die from colon cancer annually. Colorectal cancer is often caused by heredity and lifestyle choices. People with a family history of colorectal cancer are at greater risk. The disease is often detected in its late stages, making treatment difficult.
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Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. There are two types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It occurs when cells change shape and become abnormal. Nonmelanoma is not fatal if treated promptly. Common symptoms of skin cancer include moles that change color, size, texture, or shape; new spots; bumps; sores that do not heal; bleeding or crusting of lesions; scaling or oozing of lesions; and ulcers. Most skin cancers are preventable. If you notice any unusual mole, immediately visit your doctor.
Foods that Prevent Cancer
Following are the foods that prevent cancer:
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Vegetables
Vegetables are known to prevent cancer. It is some of the most important foods we consume. They are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. One study showed that people who ate at least five servings of vegetables per day had a lower risk of developing certain types of cancers. In fact, eating just two cups of cooked spinach daily may reduce your risk of colon cancer by nearly 20 percent. There are many different kinds of vegetables out there, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, garlic, kale, and others.
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Fruits
Fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. A cup of strawberries contains over 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. They’re also high in potassium, folate, and manganese. Bananas are great for helping to maintain a healthy weight and they’re loaded with fiber. Strawberries have been shown to help prevent asthma attacks and even improve lung function. Apples contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight inflammation.
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Whole Grains
Whole grains are a great source of complex carbs, protein, and fiber. Eating whole grains has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and several types of cancer. Brown rice, oats, wheat, barley, millet, buckwheat, corn, and amaranth are some examples of whole grains.
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Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great snack option. They provide healthy fats, fiber, protein, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. As per the research of Fortis Gurgaon almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and peanuts are all good choices. Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain development and reduces the risk of depression.
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Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They’re low in fat and sodium and filled with lots of iron, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans, white beans, lentils, garbanzo beans, and chickpeas are all varieties of beans.
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Fish
Fish is a great source of lean protein. Salmon, tuna, sardines, cod, halibut, trout, and sole are all excellent options. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish have been proven to benefit cardiovascular health.
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Dairy
Dairy products are actually a great source of bone-building calcium, muscle-supporting protein, and immune system-strengthening vitamin D. Milk, yogurt, cheese, butter, cottage cheese, and sour cream are all dairy products worth adding to your diet.
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