15 Cancer-Fighting Superfoods You Need in Your Diet

Imagine abnormal cells in your body do not die, but rather multiply at an unstoppable rate? Well, this phenomenon is called cancer where abnormal cells grow at an uncontrollable growth rate, thus forming abnormal cells that multiply. The worst part of this disease is that the old cells do not die, instead, multiply resulting in the death of the individual.

In simple terms, cancer cells do not die, rather they multiply at a faster rate that eventually leads to death. It is also called undead cells or zombie cells that do not die. These cells slow down your immune system and hamper your body from functioning normally.

One way to avoid the risks of cancer is by consuming foods that prevent you from getting it. So, what are these anti-cancer foods and how will it help you counter cancer cells is what we will look into in this article.

Facts About Cancer

Cancer is a tricky condition to treat because it involves a lot of time for analysing practical ways of providing the right treatment. The cause of many cancers are barely known and as a result, medical specialists find it hard to come up with suitable treatment options. Here are some interesting facts that you need to know about this killing disease.

• Tobacco is one of the largest causes of death worldwide resulting in 22% of deaths.
• Approximately there are 2 million skin cancer patients globally diagnosed every year.
• Anybody can be at risk of developing cancer and most cases have been diagnosed in men and women in their mid ages (50+ years).
• The most common types of cancers that affect men are lung, colon and prostate cancer.
• The most common types of cancers that affect women are breast, lung and colorectal cancer.

15 Cancer-Fighting Superfoods

You need to keep in mind that anyone can develop cancer, but it is advised that you take preventive measures to safeguard yourself from this deadly disease. Here are 10 cancer-fighting superfoods that you need to add to your regular diet that will help you avoid risks of developing this disease.

1. Beetroot

Did you know that beetroots have a high source of vitamin B that is good for your heart? Yes, not just your heart, it does contain cancer-fighting antioxidants that reduce your risks of kidney cancer. These antioxidants are called betalains, a defensive powerhouse that kills cancer cells and play a vital role in fighting cancer. So make sure that you add beetroots to your healthy diet and stay healthy.

2. Ragi (Finger Millet)

Ragi or finger millet is a super grain that can guard you against not just cancer, but other dangerous diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancer including osteoporosis. This is because of its rich source of iron, calcium and protein. Make sure that you add this superfood to your healthy diet as it can benefit you in numerous ways.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a super spice that has the ability to reduce blood sugar and decrease inflammation in your body. Moreover, it reduces the risks of cancer by blocking the growth of cancer cells. The major component that makes cinnamon a cancer-fighting spice is its content of essential oil. This oil is said to prevent the growth of cancer cells thus leaving you cancer-free. It is recommended that you add 2 to 4 grams (half/1 teaspoon) of cinnamon to your regular diet and this will do you good.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil has numerous health benefits such that it prevents strokes, reduces risk of heart diseases and aids in weight loss. But what’s more interesting about this superfood is that it prevents various types of cancer such as breast cancer and digestive system-related cancer. However, it is recommended that you cook food using this oil and ensure the safety of you and your family.

5. Citrus Fruits

Lemons, grapefruits, oranges, pineapples and limes are citrus foods that have medically proven capabilities of reducing your risks of developing cancer. One orange a day can reduce your risk of various cancers relating to the upper respiratory tract and the digestive system. Make sure you add citrus fruits to your regular diet and this will do you good.

6. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are said to reduce risks of breast tumour, especially among postmenopausal women. This is because flaxseeds have a high source of fibre and heart-healthy fats that make this a good food on your diet. It also acts as a barrier that prevents cells from multiplying. So make it a point to add this to your regular diet and stay healthy.

7. Garlic

Garlic has medicinal properties that can kill cancer cells and this is because it contains allicin. Onions also contain allicin and this is a vital cancer-fighting component. All you need to do is to add garlic to your food and this will help keep you healthy. Also, keep in mind that garlic must be consumed in limit or it could leave you battling diarrhoea, gas, nausea, body odour and heartburn.

8. Tomatoes

What gives tomatoes their glossy red vibrant colour? It is a compound called lycopene, which has anti-cancer properties. Thus, consuming tomatoes can reduce the risks of prostate cancer. Why wait till something gets bad when you can add this fruit to your everyday diet? Make sure that you consume two tomatoes every day and this can be in the form of salad, pasta or tomato juice.

9. Papaya

Papaya is a super fruit and the reason behind this is that it has anti-cancer properties that can prevent you from liver, lung, pancreas and breast cancer. This superfruit has the tendency to boost the immune system’s function of helping your body fight those dangerous radicals that could put your body at risk. Consuming this fruit every day will help boost your metabolism too and fight cancer cells from developing. Make sure that you add this to your daily diet and stay healthy.

10. Spinach

Spinach contains chlorophyll which is an anti-cancer compound that fights inflammation, reduces risks of certain kinds of cancer and also acts as a natural deodorant for the body. Spinach and parsley have the highest content of chlorophyll that can prevent you from other asthma, heart disease, skin problems, bone disease, etc. So make it a point to add this super leafy green to your healthy diet.

11. Chikoo

Chikoo fruit contains phytochemicals that can kill tumour cells and is proven anti-cancerous. These phytochemicals have the tendency to block cancer-causing cells that target tissues. It is a powerhouse of vitamin A, C and E that aids in good skin. Its high source of antioxidants naturally reduces wrinkles, thus making your skin appear vibrant.

12. Apple

There is a reason why ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away is said’. Apple is a superfruit that can reduce risks of hypertension, diabetes, heart problems including cancer. Procyanidins are one type of antioxidant that plays an important role in curbing cancer cells from multiplying. Thus, an apple a day keeps cancer away. Make sure you eat an apple every day.

13. Walnuts

Walnuts have anti-cancer properties than any other kind of nuts. This is because of a substance called pedunculagin that helps in preventing breast cancer. The oil found in walnuts can suppress tumours from progressing and thereby killing such harmful radicals. This does not mean that you have to over-consume it for it may lead to diarrhoea. You can munch over it while watching a movie, but make sure that you consume it in a limit.

14. Blueberries

Blueberries have a rich content of antioxidants that protect the body from radicals that can damage your cells and result in cancer. It is said to have the highest levels of antioxidants among all fruits. This makes it anti-cancer rich and you need to add this fruit to your regular diet. The absence of cholesterol levels in blueberries makes it a good food for heart patients.

15. Oatmeal

Oats is a superfood that can prevent you from cancer as it is said to make you feel satisfied, boost immune system function and reduces bad cholesterol. It is advised for diabetics, heart patients and people suffering from cancer. Make sure that you have oatmeal for breakfast every day.

FAQs

Cancer can be a painful disease for the person suffering from it, but what matters the most is taking preventive measures before you end up dealing with it. Here are some frequently asked questions that will give an insight into some of the foods that can cause cancer and what you should consume to avoid it.

1. 1. What foods increase your risk of cancer?

Did you know that foods also cause cancer? Yes, here are foods that you will need to look out for and reduce your consumption of it.

• • • Processed foods (red meat, bacon)
    • Mayonnaise
    • Butter
    • Microwave popcorn
    • Fried foods
    • Sugary Soda Drinks

1. 2. Can dragon fruit reduce your risks of cancer? 

Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants such as phenolic, betacyanin and flavonoids that are substances that protect your cells from free radicals and damage. You need to understand that your body is prone to a lot of diseases and for that reason, you need to consume foods that have a rich source of antioxidants in them. This fruit is a native of Mexico and Central America and it tastes like a mixture of kiwi and pear. Other than having anti-cancer properties, this fruit also prevents premature ageing.

1. 3. What triggers cancer cells to multiply?

Cancer cells are said to multiply at a fast rate thus leaving you with a deadly disease that has a limited cure. But, what makes these cells multiply? Well, cancer cells feed on protein and fat in order to grow. Also, if there is excess sugar in your blood, it can trigger the growth of these cells. Eliminating sugar can leave these cells starving and thus prevent it from multiplying.

Cancer can be a tricky condition that can be cured in its initial stages, but most of it goes undetected. But taking preventive steps will reduce your risk of this deadly disease. All you need to do is to add the above-listed foods to your everyday diet and this will reduce your risks of developing the disease.