For anyone who has every cared for someone that was affected by cancer you know just how terrible this disease can be. Cancer is a broad term for a number of related diseases that affect the body in similar ways. Most cancers will begin by the body attacking healthy cells, and bad cells dividing at an elevated rate. Symptoms of cancer can range from throat sores to drowsiness though most side effects occur as a result of chemotherapy treatment. Cancer affects everyone young and old which is what makes it such a frightening disease. With recent medicine doctors have come up with foods that work to prevent cancer before it even starts. Keep reading to find out…
5 Foods That Fight Cancer
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain Lycopene, and according to “Nutrition and Cancer” Lycopene has been proven to stop endometrial cancer cell growth in some cases. This cancer fighting food is most powerful when heated as heat releases more of the chemical.
2. Walnuts
Walnuts have been shown to block cancer receptors in breast cancer cells. This is because of Phytosterols, or “a family of molecules related to cholesterol [which] are found in the cell membranes of plants.”
3. Garlic
This comes as good news to most because garlic is included in many popular dishes. In an Iowa Women’s Health Study the women that had the most amount of garlic in their system also had a50% lower risk of developing cancer than those studies with lesser amounts.
4. Berries
All types of berries contain powerful antioxidants.. But what is an antioxidant? “Antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage” A popular berry with high amounts of these natural substances is the acai berry.
5. Cruciferous Vegetables
These include: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and similar leafy greens. These veggies have the potential to slow tumor growth, shield from damages cancer cells, and encourage cancer cells to die.
For more information look to the Internet or ask your doctor about foods that fight cancer. Another way to work against cancer before it even starts is to take steps in order to prevent it. Avoid foods like meat, cheese, and butter because these can be very rich in saturated fat which links to obesity. Obesity can be a cancer predictor because it prevents you from living a healthy lifestyle. The most important thing you can do it take care of your body and visit the doctor regularly.