TEN Cancer-Fighting Superfoods
1. Garlic
Research from the Iowa
Women's Health Study found that women who consumed the most garlic were 50
percent less likely to develop certain types of colon cancer compared to
women who ate the least.
It is believed that garlic causes the gut to produce enzymes that can clear
it of cancer-causing particles. Just half a clove a day is enough to
reap the benefit, but serve it raw for maximum effect, say experts.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene,
which gives them their distinctive red color. This super compound has been
shown to have a protective effect against stomach, endometrial, skin and
lung cancers.
In the case of tomatoes, cooked is better than raw -- cooking
them actually increases the amount of lycopene that your body can absorb.
3. Broccoli
Cruciferous vegetables,
especially broccoli, are full of compounds that help prevent and fight
cancer.
Studies showed that it may help prevent breast cancer by fighting excess
estrogen.
4. Berries
Stock up on a variety of
berries for cancer-fighting phytonutrients. Black raspberries contain lots
of anthocyanins, which stunt the development of premalignant cells.
Blueberries have been shown to protect against colon cancer.
Strawberries and raspberries also contain phytochemicals, namely ellagic
acid -- which is thought to have the power to destroy certain
cancer-causing nasties and slow down the progress of cancerous cells.
5. Green tea
Drinking a cup or more a
day of green tea may have a protective effect against some cancers -- a
study found that green tea may counteract the effect of smoking on lung
cancer, especially in smokers who may not be genetically susceptible to the
cancer
. It's loaded with antioxidants that can protect against damage to
cells.
6. Salmon
Salmon contains vitamin D
and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have cancer-fighting potential.
Studies showed a link between increased vitamin D intake and reduced breast
cancer risk (by as much as 50 percent) while consumption of omega-3 fatty
acids have been associated with lower incidences of breast, prostate and
colon cancer.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in
phytoserols, which have been shown to block estrogen receptors in breast
cancer cells, and are thought to slow down malignant growth.
8. Grapes
This fruit contains
reservatrol, which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies have suggested that this could protect against cell damage that
could otherwise lead to cancer.
9. Orange juice
Folate is an important B
vitamin that may ward off cancers of the colon, rectum and breast. To get
your dose of this vitamin, pour yourself a glass of fresh orange juice.
Bonus: OJ also packs a powerful antioxidant punch at the same time.
10. Apples
Apples contain
phytochemicals, including quercetin, which has antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory effect protects against
cancer since most diseases are caused by chronic inflammation over long
periods of time.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment