Written By: Debjani Arora | Updated: August 21, 2015, 7:26 PM
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When it comes to dealing with deadly cancer, there isn’t one single way to prevent it. In fact, preventing cancer needs an effort from your side. So, start with the right diet choices, here are some foods that have been scientifically proven to kill free radicals in the body and prevent the onset of cancer.
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Green tea: According to Pennsylvania State University, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, kills oral cancer cells without harming normal cells. Also, Moffitt Cancer Center found that an active component called catechin in green tea prevents prostate cancer in men.
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Broccoli: First, broccoli has fibre in it that helps to get rid of toxins in the body. Like the other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower) broccoli also has anti-cancer properties. It is rich in sulforaphane that boosts body’s immunity, protective enzyme and flushes out cancer-causing toxins.
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Tomatoes: It is a rich source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their colour. Lycopene helps fight endometrial cancer cells according to a study in Nutrition and Cancer. The fruit also helps prevent cell damage that can ultimately lead to cancer.
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Garlic: Phytochemicals present in garlic fight carcinogens formed in the stomach (and in the intestines) when you consume nitrates, a common food preservative. The allicin present in garlic prevents cancer cell growth by preventing blood supply to the malignancy.
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Beetroots: They are rich in anthocyanins and resveratrol both the compounds are known to fight cancer and improve body’s immunity.
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Leafy green vegetables like spinach and lettuce are good sources of the antioxidants, beta-carotene and lutein. According to the American Cancer Society, leafy greens can also slow the process of cancer cell growth and prevent them from originating.
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Kidney beans: A study from Michigan State University found that black and red beans significantly reduced colon cancer incidence. Also, a diet rich in the legumes increases levels of the fatty acid butyrate, which in high concentrations protects against cancer.
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Oily fish: The long chain omega 3 fatty acids help to protect the DNA structure of the cells that could be at risk from free radicals and help prevent cancer cell growth.
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Turmeric: According to the American Cancer Society, curcumin, a compound present in turmeric can inhibit some kinds of cancer cells and also shrink tumours in some cases.
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Pulses: Lentils, chickpeas, soya and other different types of beans have anti-cancer properties. They also contain lignans that help neutralise the effects of free radicals in the body.
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Nuts: According to the Journal of Medicinal Food, diets rich in whole walnuts or walnut oil can slow prostate cancer growth in men. They also contain phytosterols that block estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells slowing cancerous cell growth.
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They contain very high concentrations of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which slow down the growth of pre-malignant cells and prevent blood supply to them.
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Grapes: They are rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol. According to the National Cancer Institute, resveratrol may be useful in keeping cancer from occurring and spreading.
