Foods that protect against cancer development

by Health & Natural World

1. Fiber containing foods

Such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes (such as beans, chickpeas, peas and lentils) and herbs. These foods prevent colon cancer and rectal cancer. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber help reduce the transit time of food in the digestive system, and reduce your exposure to toxic and carcinogenic factors. Soluble fibers are fermented by bacteria in the colon and become short-chain fatty acids, which has a positive effect on the colon cells.

2. Fruit and vegetables

They apparently prevent cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and stomach cancer (fruits probably also protect against lung cancer). Fruits and vegetables contain plenty of components that help prevent cancer:
2.1. They contain important antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help fight free radicals that cause damage to the DNA of the cell. This can lead to cancerous transformation – the process by which normal cell becomes a cancer cell.
2.2. They contain phytochemicals that delay cancerous processes by helping to maintain the normal function of the immune system. They can also repair the damage done to the DNA of the cells.
2.3. They are rich in dietary fibers, soluble and insoluble.
2.4. They are relatively low in calories, so they help to maintain a healthy body weight – a factor which by itself was found to have great importance in cancer prevention.

3. Vegetables and fruits that contain beta-carotene

Such as carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, mangoes, loquats, peaches, apricots, cantaloupe melon and more. These apparently prevent esophageal cancer. Beta-carotene is a natural pigment found in food. It plays a significant role in communication between cells that can help prevent cancer, as well as significant antioxidant. Additionally, this component is called pro-vitamin A, because it is converted by the body to vitamin A, which is Important to normal function of the immune system and the operation of enzymes that work to delay cancer.

4. Cabbage family vegetables

Such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, turnips, radishes, mustard greens and roquette. These apparently prevent various cancers and contain anti cancer components that remove pollutants and carcinogens and thus effectively protect against many types of cancer. You may also be interested to read my article about the incredible health benefits of cruciferous vegetables.

5. Onion family vegetables

Such as onion, spring onions, scallions, chives and leeks. These apparently prevent stomach cancer and lung cancer. Vegetables from this family contain sulphur compounds (giving them the unique smell), that encourage creating protective enzymes that neutralize carcinogens and thereby protect against stomach cancer. They also contain quercetin, especially protective against lung cancer.

6. Garlic

Apparently prevents colon cancer and rectal cancer. Garlic contains a unique sulphur compound called allicin. This compound protects colon cells from the toxic effects of cancer-causing chemicals, and even works to stop growth of cancer cells that have already begun to develop. In addition, it was found that garlic works to reduce inflammation in the body that is linked to the development of cancerous processes.

7. Vegetables and fruits rich in lycopene

Such as tomatoes (tomato paste as well), watermelon, cantaloupe melon, guava, pink grapefruit and blood orange. Apparently they prevent prostate cancer. Lycopene is
considered to have powerful antioxidant capabilities. It also inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, enhances the immune system, and like garlic, reduces inflammatory processes in the body.

8. Vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C

Such as peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, guava and strawberry. Apparently they prevent esophageal cancer. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble antioxidant that fills an important role in neutralizing free radicals in the watery part of our body tissues. Berries are especially rich in vitamin C. You can find easy and nutritious berry recipes in my my e-book The Healing Berry Guide. This e-book will teach you how to transform your health with berries and their incredible health benefits.

9. Selenium rich foods

Such as tuna fish, egg yolk, chicken liver and Brazil nuts. Apparently they prevent prostate cancer. One possible explanation relates to the involvement of selenium  in the creation of a certain antioxidant enzyme created in our body naturally. Thanks to this enzyme there is a decreases in the activity of free radicals that damage the DNA of the cells.

10. Foods that contain folic acid

Such as whole grains, green leafy vegetables (spinach, parsley, dill, cabbage, lettuce, broccoli) and beetroot. Apparently they prevent pancreatic cancer. It is believed that the mechanism of the folic acid, which belongs to the group of B-vitamins, based on delaying cancer-causing genes. In addition, folic acid plays an important role in the production of DNA, as well as preventing cell changes that turn it from normal cell to a cancer cell.

11. Foods that contain calcium

Such as milk and milk products, cabbage, broccoli, almonds, sesame seeds and tahini. Apparently they prevent colon cancer and rectal cancer. Milk and dairy products contain calcium in addition to vitamin D.  These two components are interrelated closely, since both help to normal division of the cells, delay activity of cancer cells and accelerates destruction of colon cancer cells. Another theory for calcium is that this mineral prevents intestinal irritation, that is probably one of the causes of these cancers. Calcium also helps in regulating the rate of cell division in the gut in people with an increased risk of disruption of the normal rate. Note: It has found that a high consumption of calcium – 1,500 milligrams or more per day – is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in men. However, this is a very high amount of calcium, almost unlikely to be consumed by diet. If you prefer not to consume dairy products for calcium, you can find more information in my article about better sources of calcium than dairy products.

12. Legumes

Such as beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas. According to studies it appears that a higher intake of legumes reduced risk of cancer of various types such as stomach, colon – rectum, prostate and lung cancer. Legumes contain a variety of health-promoting components such as water-soluble fiber that have anti-cancer effect. In addition, plant components also found in legumes such as red beans, peas, lentils and soybeans, were found to have anti-cancer effects.

13. Olive oil

High consumption of olive oil is the hallmark of the traditional Mediterranean diet and is associated with a lower incidence of cancer, including colon and rectum cancer, compared with other Western countries. Find here more information about the great health benefits of olive oil.

14. Turmeric

Various studies have shown that turmeric and its extracts inhibit cancer processes and the development of various tumours such as skin cancer, stomach, duodenum, tongue, colon, breast and prostate cancer. Read here more about the amazing health benefits of turmeric.

Not only nutrition:

There are more proven factors that reduce or increase the risk of cancer:
1. Exercise: there is convincing evidence that exercise reduces the risk of colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
2. Breastfeeding: there is convincing evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.
3. Body weight and fat: excess body weight and a high percentage of body fat encourage the development of esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer and kidney cancer.