According to research, several plant-based meals contain potent substances called phytochemicals that can fight cancer and lower the risk of it developing. According to Andrew Woodward, MS, RD, CSO, an oncology nutritionist at Loma Linda University Cancer Center, these particular foods may hold the key to preventing the formation of cancer cells in the body.
According to Woodward, inflammation has been shown to encourage the growth and spread of cancer cells and can be managed through nutrition. Many diets claim to lower inflammation and improve health, but some of them, he argues, are highly restricted or difficult to understand.
Woodward advises attempting to find the points where different dietary approaches overlap rather than focusing on the areas where they exclude particular foods. According to him, doing so encourages people to eat from a variety of food groups that should be ingested every day. Health-conscious people can successfully control a number of risk factors and fight their condition by choosing to follow a smart dietary plan, all while improving their quality of life.
In order to prevent cancer, improve nutrition, and promote health, Woodward suggests seven functional foods:
berriesAccording to Woodward, berries including blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, cranberries, pomegranates, raspberries, and others impart sweetness to the tongue yet contain little natural sugar. An abundance of blue-purple compounds called anthocyanins, found in many types, decrease inflammation and shield the brain from oxidation. Berries also contain ellagic acid, which has anti-tumor and carcinogen-neutralizing properties. Pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant found in blueberries, can lessen inflammation.
vegetables with crucifers
Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, and kale. These veggies contain substances called glucosinolates that work in a variety of ways to combat cancer. These substances include fiber, which prevents cancer, indole-3 carbinol, which lowers hormone-sensitive tumors, sulforaphane, which neutralizes carcinogens, and sulforaphane. Try these uncooked, in smoothies, or simply seasoned when cooked. Alternatively, try kimchi for a tart substitute for cabbage that gives dull items like salads some flavor.
Onions and garlic
Garlic and onions, according to the National Cancer Institute, may lower the incidence of breast, esophagus, colon, and stomach cancer. Garlic, according to Woodward, has demonstrable antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to its ability to fight cancer. Numerous sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin and diallyl sulfide (DAS), which seem to inactivate carcinogens and stop DNA alterations, can prevent cancer. Onions have quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds that prevent some carcinogens and trigger apoptosis, a mechanism that kills aberrant cells, thus they provide many of the same advantages.
MushroomsIn addition to giving food flavor, mushrooms have a number of advantages for immune system modulation. By specifically boosting your immune system against alien germs but not against your own cells, immunomodulation goes beyond just stimulating the immune system. Antioxidants, a decrease in hormone-related cancers, and a reduction in excessive inflammation are further significant advantages. When consuming fresh, cooked, powdered, or dried mushrooms, these advantages can be felt to the fullest extent.
Turmeric
Many Indian recipes, curries, and mustards use turmeric, a golden-yellow flavor. According to Woodward, it includes curcumin, a polyphenol that has been the subject of more than 6,000 research. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities aid in the battle against cancer. Curcumin appears to inhibit tumor cell growth, blood vessel development, invasion, and reproduction.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach
Whether consumed raw, juiced, or mildly cooked, spinach is a nutritious powerhouse. Vitamin K, which helps blood coagulate, carotenoids, which support eye health and antioxidants, fiber, folate, which helps DNA synthesis and repair, and other phytochemicals are all abundant in spinach. According to several research, glycoglycerolipids and carotenoids are phytochemicals that fight cancer, particularly the prostate, breast, and stomach forms. Because baby spinach contains less oxalate, it increases calcium and iron absorption. Additionally, plant nitrates found in spinach and arugula produce nitric oxide and feed the endothelium, the inner lining of blood vessels.
Other seasonings and ginger
Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant food because of specific components that help your body combat oxidative stress on a daily basis. Ginger can also help to relax the stomach and lessen motion sickness. In order to flavor meals and lessen inflammation, Woodward advises adding a range of flavors, including basil, oregano, dill, cinnamon, and clove. These are preserved in a concentrated form when used in their dry state, extending their shelf life by around two years. Recipes with seasonings use less salt overall, have more antioxidants, and taste better.
Numerous other plant-based foods offer anti-cancer and health-improving qualities. Beets, carrots, chili peppers, citrus fruits, seaweed, tomatoes, etc., advises Woodward, can add variety to a nutritious diet. “It’s best to have a colorful platter.
According to him, a diet’s quality affects one’s general health and capacity to fend against ailments like cancer and others. Exercise, avoiding exposure to toxins, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all factors that can help prevent cancer.
If you have worries about cancer or another disease, consult your healthcare professional. Visit the Loma Linda University Cancer Center or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician by dialing 909-558-6600 or booking online to learn more about the many resources and support available for both patients and their loved ones battling cancer.
In This Article...
Foods that cancer doesn’t like to eat
During cancer treatment, be mindful of what you’re putting into your body. When possible, cook as much of your own meals and read nutrition labels. Avoid eating highly processed, refined foods as much as possible. Additionally, you should stay away from fried foods that are high in hydrogenated oils because they might worsen inflammation.
Consider avoiding items that increase your chance of contracting a foodborne illness since people with cancer frequently have weakened immune systems, such as:
- fish that has been lightly cooked or is raw, like sushi
- meals using raw eggs or soft-cooked eggs, such homemade mayonnaise
- dairy products and cheeses without pasteurization
- produce that hasn’t been washed
What foods make cancer worse?
There is “convincing evidence that processed beef causes cancer,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is specifically linked to colorectal and stomach cancer and is categorized as a Group 1 carcinogen.
Frankfurter hotdogs, ham, sausages, corned beef, beef jerky, and tinned or lunch meat are some examples of processed meats with cancer-causing potential.
- White fish, white meat like chicken or turkey, or meat substitutes like Quorn, Tofu, or Seitan are suitable replacements.
What meal is most effective against cancer?
More carrot consumption is associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, according to numerous research.
For instance, a review of five research’ findings found that consuming carrots may lower the incidence of stomach cancer by up to 26%. (4).
Another study discovered that eating more carrots was linked to an 18% decreased risk of developing prostate cancer (5).
In one study, 1,266 participantswith and without lung cancerhad their diets examined. According to the study, people who were current smokers and did not consume carrots were three times more likely to acquire lung cancer than those who did (6).
To enhance your consumption and perhaps lower your risk of cancer, try include carrots in your diet occasionally as a delightful side dish or nutritious snack.
However, keep in mind that while these studies suggest a link between eating carrots and cancer, they fail to take other potential contributing factors into consideration.
What can I consume to fend against cancer?
Coffee and tea. Tea and coffee ingredients may offer protection from a number of malignancies. Coffee’s antioxidants appear to be particularly useful in preventing endometrial cancer. Additionally, green tea appears to have anti-prostate cancer.
Eggs: Can they cause cancer?
According to a recent Express article, eating more than two eggs every week may raise your risk of developing ovarian cancer. Does this have any merit?
What is being reported?
According to the vegan health charity Viva! Health, eating more than two eggs per week increases the risk of ovarian and prostate cancer by 80%, and even one egg per week may increase the risk by as much as 70%.
According to the charity, high amounts of these might cause malignant growth in hormone-sensitive organs like the ovary and/or prostate because eggs are a strong source of cholesterol, which is necessary for the creation of sex hormones that encourage cell growth like testosterone and oestrogen.
Is there any truth in this?
There is no proof to date that eating eggs can lead to ovarian cancer. People have such diverse diets that it would take extensive investigation over many years to identify a particular meal as a cancer risk.
Eggs are a wonderful source of protein and B vitamins and can be included in a healthy, balanced diet.
It is advisable to limit how frequently you eat fried eggs because the process of frying increases the quantity of saturated fat, which might increase your chance of developing conditions like heart disease. However, there are no substantial health risks associated with eating eggs in general.
What does increase a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer?
Age, family history, genetics, being overweight or obese, and smoking are all factors that have been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. You may read more about the possibility of developing ovarian cancer here.
How can cancer be stopped from spreading?
Think about these cancer preventive suggestions.
- Avoid using tobacco. Any sort of cigarette use puts you at risk for developing cancer.
- Adopt a balanced diet.
- Keep a healthy weight and engage in physical activity.
- Take sun protection measures.
- Abstain from dangerous actions.
- Get routine medical attention.
What six foods are cancer-preventive?
6 Foods That Might Reduce Your Cancer Risk
- Goji berries and blueberries Due to their high levels of antioxidants and other vitamins, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, blueberries and goji berries are two essential foods that can reduce your chance of developing cancer.
Can chicken lead to cancer?
According to a recent study, eating chicken, red meat, and processed meat increases your risk of developing certain malignancies, however experts advise not worrying too much about this. Prostate cancer, non-lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and malignant melanoma have all been linked to chicken eating. The director of the Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, Dr. Joshua Brody, who was not involved in the study, claims that “Even though the study is significant, a variety of factors might be influencing the findings. Added he, “The study was far from conclusive enough to suggest a change in lifestyle.
Dr. Joshua Brody is the director of the Tisch Cancer Institute’s lymphoma immunotherapy program and an assistant professor of medicine, hematology, and medical oncology.