It's no secret: Proper nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. The foods you eat can help protect your body from diseases such as cancer.
Although the onset of the disease is partly linked to genetic inheritance, it is now known that some habits increase the chances of cancer onset. Among these risk behaviors, the main ones are smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating. "Diet is a modifiable factor, hence the importance of alerting and guiding people about some potentially beneficial changes," advises nutritionist Dr. Fernanda Schettino of Oncomed Hospital, which specializes in cancer treatment.
The list below is designed to help you better decide what to put on your plate and contains 10 foods that can prevent various types of cancer, according to a survey by the American Cure Cancer Foundation.
1. Avocado
Does avocado contain a nutrient called glutatoin, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals? which have been pointed as one of the factors responsible for the development of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers believe that avocado can protect against oral and throat cancer, as well as being helpful in treating hepatitis.
2. Grapes
Red grapes contain powerful antioxidants that protect the body against cancer and, in addition, fight aging. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits enzymes that can stimulate cancer cell growth.
But remember: To enjoy all the benefits, you must eat the rind and, if possible, the seed as well.
3. Soy
Soy and its products contain protein, low sugar, nutritional oil, fiber and many other nutrients important to the body's functioning. This in itself would be enough for you to decide to include this food in your menu.
But there are other benefits! Studies indicate that whole soy foods help prevent various types of cancer, such as lung, cervix, intestines, stomach and prostate cancer. Soy isoflavones, classified as phytoestrogens, are identified as the main compounds present in soybean capable of preventing the onset of various types of the disease.
4. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes contain many anticancer properties. One is beta-carotene, an antioxidant that can prevent damage to cell membranes that promote the development of the disease.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli contains bioflavonoids and antioxidants that block the action of hormones that stimulate the evolution of tumors. It is also able to improve the action of protective enzymes, preventing cancer.
The plant is rich in sulforane, a chemical with a scientifically proven ability to eliminate toxins that cause cancer cells. Another vegetable that also produces this effect is cauliflower.
6. Tomato
Experts point to tomatoes as one of the best foods to fight prostate cancer. This is because tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a substance that acts as an antioxidant and fights free radicals that alter cell DNA. Watermelons, and peppers also contain this substance, but in smaller quantities.
7. Carrot
Carrots are another important food in the fight against cancer. The researchers found that falcarinol present in carrots can reduce an individual's chances of developing the disease. However, the tests were performed with the raw food and therefore it should preferably be consumed as such.
In addition, carrots are also a source of beta carotene, which may help reduce the chances of developing various types of tumors in the lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, bladder, prostate and breast.
8. Garlic
Garlic has been scientifically proven to contain a wealth of nutrients such as vitamins (A and C), potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and 75 different sulfur compounds. With so many nutrients, it strengthens the immune system, increasing the activity of defense cells (leukocytes). Thus, it can directly inhibit cancer cell metabolism, prevent their activation and reproduction.
There are also studies indicating that garlic is able to increase levels of glutathione S-transferase, an enzyme that aids the liver in processing toxic substances that are carcinogens.In the United States, the National Cancer Institute links garlic consumption to decreased risk of stomach, esophageal, pancreatic, and breast cancer.
9. Turmeric
Also known as turmeric, is a ginger family plant widely used in cooking? It is the component that gives the curry spice its yellowish color. Studies have also shown medicinal application in cancer prevention and cure.
The responsible for this is curcumin, active ingredient of turmeric. It inhibits the proliferation of diseased cells, preventing tumor growth. It also helps the body to destroy cancer cells.
10. Rosemary
Whether used as a spice or tea, rosemary helps increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. Are their leaves rich in antioxidants that protect cells against free radicals? responsible for the onset of cancer.
It is important to warn that taking vitamins in tablets is not a substitute for good nutrition. "Nutrients play a protective role when we eat through food," warns doctor Fernanda Schettino.
If you have not yet included these items in your menu, you can do so today. The adoption of a healthy diet contributes not only to the prevention of cancer, but also to heart disease, obesity and other diseases such as cholesterol and diabetes.
Cancer-Fighting Foods (April 2024)
- Food, Cancer
- 1,230
