Most of us personally know of at least one close relative or friend who had or is suffering from cancer. Fact is, modern lifestyle is conducive to spread and growth of cancer. To help you battle the dreaded disease, our experts have put together top 10 anti-cancer foods. Read on.
Need for anti-cancer foods
In recent times, processed foods occupy a large portion of our kitchen, our refrigerator and our diet. Unfortunately, to increase the shelf-life of the product and to make it taste good, maintain texture, color, etc, processed foods contain chemical additives. Even when labels say there are no preservatives added, they are more often than not, hidden behind a technicality.
Take fruit juice for instance; notice how fresh fruit juice tastes different from processed fruit juice despite the fact that the label on the carton claims that no preservatives have been added? Why does packaged fruit juice taste so different? Has it degraded because something was removed from the fruit or has it been upgraded through addition of something? Do we know how much carcinogenic substances are leaked into the food when we heat our ready-to-eat meals?
Here then is our list of top 10 anti-cancer foods that help keep you safe
1. Garlic
The fact that synthesized versions of garlic extracts are used in anti-cancer drugs is itself a giveaway. Garlic has been used as a medicinal cure for a variety of diseases for over a thousand years. Only recently thanks to modern investigative tools, we have understood the properties that make garlic such an amazing healer. Garlic contains no less than 33 sulfur compounds including Ajoene, Aliin, allicin, Diallyl, Allylpropl, Sallylcysteine, Trisulfide, S-allylmercaptocystein, Vinyldithiines etc.
It also contains 17 amino acids – each a cancer fighter. Need we say more?
2. Berries
Berries have powerful compounds that interfere with the process of creating free radicals. The creations and release of free radicals leads to cancerous cells. Nip the problem in the bud – say hello to lovely, tasty berries.
3. Tomatoes
Many men nowadays face and suffer prostate cancer. It happens when our DNA cells are damaged. Tomatoes contain Polyphenolic compounds, Flavanones, Flavonols, Phenolic acids, and Biomolecules with their antioxidant properties. All these protect and strengthen our DNA cells and ensure they can effectively fight off carcinogenic substances that seek to attack and damage your DNA cells.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables i.e. Cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower
Say ‘yes’ to these lovely veggies. Flavonoids called ‘Kaempferol’ accompanied with Glucobrassicin, Glucoraphanin and Gluconasturtiian are especially effective in prevention of free radicals – the primary cause of cancer.
5. Green Tea
The presence of antioxidants called ‘Catechins’ makes green tea another important fighter in our battle against the free radicals.
6. Whole grains
Whole grains contain significant amounts of Phytic acid, Phytonutrients lignan, and Phytosterols – each fights to prevent formation of free radicals.
7. Tumeric
This orange colored spice contains Curcumin. Curcuminoids is vital to support important liver and blood functions, healthy joints, and, you guessed it, is a free radical fighter.
8. Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of the antioxidants, beta-carotene and Lutein – both vital in our fight against the free radicals.
9. Grapes
Love grapes? Well, you have yet another reason to smile because the skin of red grapes is a rich source of Resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant that fights the formation of free radicals.
10. Red beans
Love the smooth taste of red beans? Well, red beans are a powerhouse of antioxidants. Use red beans regularly in your diet and you will have added a great ally in your fight against the cancer causing free radicals.