Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, second only to heart disease. What can you eat to reduce the risk of cancer development? A slew of research on cancer suggests that eating multi-nutritious fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs may help prevent some forms of cancer while relieving the symptoms of different types of cancer.
Here are five super foods that can help lower the risk of lessen the symptoms of cancer:
1. Berries
Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries are some berries that contain antioxidant compounds that help in boosting the immune system. They also contain polyphenols such as ellagic acid and anthocyanins such as antioxidants which help in counteracting, reducing, and repairing damaged cells, they are also loaded with vitamin-C and fiber that can help in relieving symptoms of cancer. Researchers suggest that berries especially help in fighting skin, bladder, lung, breast, and esophageal cancer.
2. Grapes
Red and purple grapes contain a plant chemical called resveratrol- an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps inhibiting cancer cells growth according to several cancer researchers and oncologists. Grapes can be helpful in fighting the symptoms of liver, stomach, breast, and colon cancer.
3. Tomatoes
They get their bright red color from antioxidants called lycopene which helps in protecting against the cell damage caused due to cancer and kill the cells that are growing abnormally. Several research tests have suggested that they can help in fighting against skin cancer. One can also use tomatoes to fight against breast, lung, endometrial, prostate, and mouth cancers.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage contain cancer fighting agents including 3-carbinol, crambene, and glucosinolates. They also contain sulforaphane which inhibits carcinogen growth. Cruciferous vegetables help in fighting stomach, breast, skin, mouth, pharynx, and esophageal cancers.
5. Garlic
The herb is not only a flavor enhancer but also a superfood according to some oncologists. It contains a unique antioxidant phytochemical celled allyl sulfides that help in inhibiting malignant (cancerous) cell formation. Several oncologists suggest eating garlic on an empty stomach for an overall improved immunity. It can help in relieving from symptoms of stomach, esophageal, lung, and colon cancer.
Cancer is not only one terminal disease that is on rise in our country. The cases of cardiovascular diseases and gout have significantly increased over the past couple of years. So as a bonus, here are three superfoods that doctors and health researchers claim reduce the risk of suffering from gout and heart disease:
1. Chia seeds
It contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that help in lowering triglycerides level in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of abnormal heart beat and high blood pressure. However, it is advised to drink plenty of water with chia seeds as excess of the same can lead to constipation.
2. Green tea
Loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins, green tea prevents cell damage which helps in reducing the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease.
3. Quinoa
Considered as the powerhouse whole-grain food , quinoa was first discovered 4000 years ago in South America. Quinoa has nine essential amino acids that are helpful in tissue and repair and has a high protein value that is essential for fighting both, cardiovascular disease and gout.
It is important to note here that, all superfoods mentioned above only help in reducing risk of suffering from certain diseases. They cannot completely cure a person from the above-mentioned diseases. Hence, doctor’s intervention is necessary to make certain that these superfoods can be included in daily diet to avoid any side effects.
