How to Fight Cancer With Food

A disease that causes illness and death, cancer has one of the highest mortality rates in every country worldwide. Despite the extensive research, no one has been able to find a definitive cure yet.

Cancer is the result of cells in the body replicating and spreading uncontrollably, not just cloning themselves but also invading surrounding tissues and organs. This spread is microscopic at first, then moves on to local body sites before eventually travelling to all parts of the body.

The inability to offer a guaranteed cure means that prevention is even more important. There are some factors which play a role which can’t be helped, such as genes, but there are a number of other ways you can help to cut down your risk. Getting plenty of exercise and stopping smoking have both been shown to have a positive effect on the chances of getting cancer, but by adjusting your diet you can slash your risks even further.

Here’s a look at some of the different types of food that can help to fight cancer.

Berries

As well as tasting simply delicious, berries have the added bonus of being powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.

Phytochemicals provide these fruits with rich and vivid colours, and have the added benefit of providing protection against cancerous tumours too.

Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and acai berries are included in the list. Acai berries help to blitz carcinogenic cells, while blueberries can protect against ovarian and liver cancers.

Green tea

Often referred to as a superfood because of its ability to help with weight loss, green tea can also play a role in helping to protect against tumours.

Green tea contains a substance known as catechin, and it’s this which provides the powerful protection.

A number of studies have been carried out, which demonstrated the effectiveness of green tea as a protective agent against cancer. A component known as EGCG has been shown to be effective in stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells, particularly those found in the breast.

Garlic

Garlic is renowned for its restorative and healing properties, and it’s been studied for many years. However, one of the most potentially useful benefits is its ability to protect against cancer. These qualities help to prevent all types of tumours, but is particularly effective against breast, prostate and stomach cancers.

Garlic is equally effective in all its forms; cooking or processing it has no impact on its potency. To get the maximum benefit from its two active ingredients, experts suggest peeling it and allowing 15 minutes for it to rest before cutting it up  and adding to dishes.

Leeks and onions

Leeks and onions share the same active components as garlic, and therefore provide similar benefits when eaten.

Just like garlic, cooking has no impact on the actions of leeks and onions but for maximum effectiveness, they should be eaten regularly.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a popular salad ingredient, and eaten raw provide a number of health benefits, largely due to the lycopene they contain.

Lycopene helps to protect against cancers of all types but has been shown to be the most effective against prostate, breast, colon and lung tumours.

What is unusual about tomatoes is that the strength of the lycopene is enhanced when its cooked. Most vegetables are at their most potent when eaten raw, but for tomatoes, the opposite is true.

Try making sauces or soups for the whole family to enjoy to get the very best out of this delicious food.

Balanced diet

Although all of the above foods can provide extra protection against cancer, it’s important to eat a balanced and healthy diet to remain in tip-top condition.

If you get the right amount of nutrients from a range of different foods, your immune system will receive the boost it needs to stay strong and fight off the various diseases and illnesses which could attack the body.