10 Superfoods to Help Fight Cancer

10 Superfoods to Help Fight Cancer

Conditions like cancer have several symptoms and side effects, even when one is being treated. Thus, one must also take care of one’s lifestyle and food regime. Superfoods are food items with high nutritional value and can help improve one’s overall health. One can cook some of these foods in various ways to enjoy their taste and nutritional content. So, here are some superfoods that can aid in fighting cancer’s symptoms and side effects.

1. Citrus fruits
Cell damage noticed in cancer patients can be protected against through vitamins and phytochemicals that have an antioxidant-like effect. These are found in particularly large amounts in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, etc.

2. Fruits with high water content
Fruits like melons, tomatoes, berries, pineapple, bananas, pears, blueberries, among others, have nutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants that show a potential towards helping prevent damage in the DNA cells. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can also be linked to lowering prostate cancer risks in patients, although further study is needed to be sure of the same.

3. Leafy greens
Rich in folate and fiber, vegetables like spinach and kale are known to reduce the risk of getting some cancer types. Folate, in particular, helps in DNA repair and the production of new cells. Carotenoids, found in kale, help in enhancing the antioxidant defenses of the body. Vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, found in these food items, help prevent carcinogen formation and in the removal of free radicals from the system.

4. Carrots
Containing antioxidants like beta-carotene, phytochemicals and vitamins, carrots may be linked to the prevention of certain cancers, although further study is required to prove the link. Falcarinol, a natural pesticide found in carrots, may also have anti-inflammatory results.

5. Whole grains
Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals, whole grains help elevate one’s digestive health. Further, they are also known to have lignans and saponins that help as antioxidants and against cancer cell multiplication. It has been suggested through a study that foods with high fiber have the potential to modify hormone-dependent cancers by changing their hormonal actions.

6. Protein sources
Poultry, fish, and meat are great sources of protein that help in gaining muscle and in maintaining a healthy body weight. Experts suggest going for unprocessed whole meats without nitrates.

7. Cruciferae
Items like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower help in the production of protective enzymes through phytochemicals like glucosinolates. This can help in reducing the risk of many cancer types. Patients can consume broccoli in the raw form or after steaming it and with the addition of olive oil and garlic.

8. Pulses
Items like beans, lentils and peas, collectively called legumes or pulses, are regarded as superfoods for more than one reason. They are high in protein, low in fat, and have great amounts of insoluble fiber, helping in maintaining a healthy gut and facilitating better digestion. Pulses are also linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.

9. Mushrooms
A study showed that the people who had mushrooms as part of their food regime showed a lower cancer risk than those who didn’t. The ingredient found to be important is a powerful cell-protecting antioxidant called ergothioneine. Any kind of mushroom, oyster, king oyster, shiitake, or maitake has a very high amount of ergothioneine.

10. Nuts
Nuts have nutrients that can help fight cancer. Walnuts, in particular, contain melatonin, ellagitannins, and gamma-tocopherol that help in the reduction of inflammation, gene expression, which can lead to certain cancers, along with oxidative stress.