7 Foods That Can Lower the Risk of Cancer

Cancer affects all, males, females, and girls, young and old, rich and poor, and poses a major burden on patients, families, and communities. One of the world's leading causes of death is cancer. There are multiple causes of cancer. Most cancers are the result of exposure to several different causal factors, as with many other diseases.

Yet, it's possible to prevent many of these deaths. Around 30-50 percent of cancers are avoidable by healthier lifestyle decisions such as cigarette avoidance and public health interventions such as cancer immunization that causes infections.  It is important to note that while certain variables can not be changed, by minimizing behavioral and dietary risks, about one-third of cancer cases are avoidable. It is possible to detect others early, treat, and cure them. However, some foods are also efficient to prevent the risk of cancer. Many of them have phytonutrients or phytochemicals which are anti-cancer properties that can protect you from the risk of any type of cancer. Here is a list of some of these foods.

1. Turmeric: This simple yet effective ingredient is easily available in your kitchen. Curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer effects is its active ingredient. In other test-tube trials, curcumin is also successful in slowing the development of lung, breast, and prostate cancer cells. Look for at least 1–3 grams of ground turmeric per day for the best performance. To add flavor to foods, use it as a ground spice, and mix it with black pepper to further improve its absorption.

2. Tomatoes: Another common ingredient of your daily diet, tomatoes possess lycopene. Lycopene is a compound that is responsible for its bright red color as well as its anti-cancer properties. Research has shown that higher intakes of lycopene and tomatoes can help in lowering the risk of prostate cancer. Tomatoes are easy to consume. Every day, add a serving or two of tomatoes to your diet by adding them to sandwiches, salads, or curry dishes to further boost your intake.

3. Garlic: Garlic has numerous benefits. There is a good amount of allicin present in garlic. Allicin and diallyl sulfide (DAS), is a compound that has anti-cancer properties. These compounds help in deactivating carcinogens which are cancer-causing agents and prevents DNA mutations. Studies have found that consuming garlic on a regular basis can lead to decreased risks of cancers of the stomach, prostate, and colorectal tract. Adding 2-5 grams of garlic into your daily diet can promote the health benefits of garlic and give you the best results for the same.

4. Cauliflower: Vegetables like Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage come under the category of cruciferous vegetables. Researchers have found that these vegetables have components that protect you from free radicals that damage the DNA of your cells. They can also protect you from chemicals that cause cancer, help delay tumor growth, and promote the death of cancer cells. They're a delicious and healthy addition to your anti-cancer diet.

5. Spinach and Leafy Greens: Whether consumed raw, juiced, or cooked, spinach is a rich source of nutrients. Spinach is a great source of vitamin K that promotes blood coagulation. It has carotenoids that promote the protection of the eyes and antioxidants and fiber. Folate promotes the development and repair of DNA and many other phytochemicals are also present in spinach. Several studies indicate that glycoglycerolipids and carotenoids present help combat prostate, breast, and stomach cancer.

6. Mushrooms: There are many benefits of mushrooms. The benefits include antioxidants, hormone-related tumor reduction, and unnecessary inflammation reduction. Mushrooms have an array of immune modulation effects, in addition to adding flavor to foods. By enhancing the immune system against foreign microbes, but not your own cells, immunomodulation goes beyond stimulating the immune system.

7. Beans: Along with fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods, beans are also recognized as healthy sources of antioxidants. Some beans like pinto beans and red kidney beans are an outstanding source of antioxidants and can help if included in your anti-cancer diet. Beans also contain fiber, which can also help lower your cancer risk. Eating a few servings of beans per week will increase your intake of fiber and help minimize the risk of developing cancer.

Much like there are foods that can decrease the risk of cancer, there are foods that can raise it. Make it a point when you go grocery buying to steer clear of cancer risk inducing foods. Processed meats have cancer-causing compounds. It is also important to avoid processed meats. Limiting your consumption of red meats can also help in reducing cancer risks. Moderate consumption of red meat is ideally right.