It is important to understand that home remedies or alternative treatments cannot cure fatal and aggressive diseases like cancer. In such cases, it is mandatory to undergo chemotherapy, surgery, or other modern-day treatment as suggested by the oncologist. While the treatment continues to do its part, it is important to be cautious about one’s nutrient intake and include superfoods with anti-cancer properties in their meal plan. Here are five superfoods that can help fight cancer:

Foods rich in vitamin C
One of the causes of cancer is DNA damage caused by oxidative free radicals. These faulty metabolic species damage the proteins and lipids on the cell surface. The best course of action to manage these conditions is to include foods rich in vitamin C, a water-soluble antioxidant that strengthens immunocompromised patients’ immunity. Vitamin C may even prevent pulmonary and breast cancer and has synergistic action against pancreatic cancer. Some foods rich in vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits
• Strawberries
• Potato
• Bell peppers
• Guavas

Foods rich in sulfur
Sulfur has many health benefits. It aids in apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death of abnormal cells, which should be eliminated as they might become cancerous if left unchecked. Sulfur is also necessary for various biomolecules and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It fights H. pylori infection associated with stomach cancer and helps prevent digestive system cancer. One should include the following foods in one’s meal plan:

• Garlic, shallots, and onion
• Eggs and dairy
• Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli

Foods rich in polyphenols
Micronutrients discovered as plant metabolites have later proved their efficiency in fighting cancer. Polyphenols are one such micronutrient that exhibits many ways to stop the spread of cancer, such as interacting with cancerous proteins, interfering with cancer cell differentiation, and inhibiting certain enzymes. Polyphenols have been shown to prevent cervical, breast, and prostate cancer. They are subcategorized and are found respectively in:

• Flavonoids – vegetables, fruit
• Tannins – green tea
• Curcumin – turmeric
• Resveratrol – red wine, peanuts
• Ellagic acid – berries

Foods rich in Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant present on the cell surface also aids in the formation of red blood cells. They effectively neutralize free oxygen radicals that cause tissue damage and ultimately lead to cancer. A daily intake of 15 mg of vitamin E can help reduce the risk of cancer and prevent the fatigue and anemia associated with its deficiency. Foods rich in vitamin E include:

• Sunflower seeds
• Soybean oil
• Pumpkin
• Mango
• Almonds

Foods rich in beta-carotene
Another fat-soluble antioxidant that retards cancer cell growth, has anti-inflammatory activity, and enhances the white blood cells of the immune system is beta carotene. The following foods are rich in beta-carotene. However, one must be mindful not to consume more than 3000 micrograms to prevent liver toxicity and end up with their skin turning orange due to the accumulation of carotene pigment. Beta-carotene has been shown to fight HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which may lead to cervical cancer. It can also decrease the risk of stomach, lung, and mouth cancer.

• Carrots
• Sweet potato
• Spinach
• Tomato