As we enter into National Cancer Prevention month, it seems fitting to talk about simple ways to reduce our risk of cancer. No one likes to talk about cancer, but with more than 50% of cancers being preventable, it’s something worth discussing. You can up your odds of prevention just by incorporating certain foods into your diet. I promise it’s some of the easiest adulting you’ll even do. Check out these 5 foods that fight cancer – and are proven to do so. Read up and eat up!
Table of Contents
Berries
Berries are loaded with vitamin C, which often gets them listed as a superfood. In this case, it also gets them on our list of foods that fight cancer. The high levels of vitamin C can inhibit the growth of some tumors. Strawberries in particular are very high in vitamin C. Blueberries, although not as packed with this cancer-fighting vitamin, are full of phytonutrients. These phytonutrients help to prevent the proliferation of cancers cells. In addition, the ellagic acid found in berries and especially raspberries stops cancer cells from reproducing. Studies have found ellagic acid helped prevent skin, bladder, lung, esophagus and breast cancer. I mean, it’s easy to add more berries in your diet, so no excuses here. Sprinkle that shit on your ice cream if you have to– or the overpriced self-serve froyo in a giant recycled and compostable cup that’s served off a bio-diesel fueled food truck. Whatever works.
Grapes and Grape Juice (No, Not Wine)
Sticking with fruit, we move on to grapes, specifically red and purple grapes. The skin is the most beneficial part of this food as it’s loaded with resveratrol. Lab studies found that this antioxidant to be anti-inflammatory and it prevented cancer at a cellular level. Resveratrol also slowed the growth of cancer and the formation of tumors. It has even killed cancerous tumors. In order to reap the real benefits, stick to dark grapes and grape juice, as wine just won’t do it. Sorry y’all, the struggle is real.
Garlic
I am a garlic lover, so this was certainly a food I was happy to see on the list. Raw garlic eaten just twice a week helped reduce the risk of lung cancer, even in smokers. Garlic actually killed cancer when it was put in test tubes and studies found fewer instances of stomach and colon cancers among garlic eaters. It’s the substances found in garlic that make it so effective at fighting cancer. The organosulfur compounds, allixin, and quercetin help to fight or slow tumor growth. Research suggests the more garlic you consume, the more it benefits you. So, load up on the stuff and you’ll be preventing cancer and protecting yourself from Vampires all in one go. Score!
Tomatoes
You say tomato, I say… “Hey, that fights cancer!” It’s true too. The lycopene in tomatoes is what gets it on our list of foods that fight cancer. This antioxidant blocks the havoc cancer-causing free radicals have on your body and it helps boost the immune system. Oddly, processed tomatoes, such as sauce or paste deliver a more effective dose of lycopene. But, there is more to this cancer-fighting fruit that just its lycopene. The carotenoids in tomatoes have been shown to reduce instances of breast cancer and tomatoes have also lowered the risk of prostate cancer.
Avocado
As a California girl, having avocado on this list of foods that fight cancer makes my heart happy. I wouldn’t be surprised is my heart is just an avocado at this point with how much I love the fruit. Aside from being a delicious superfood full of healthy fat that you should eat more of, avocados work to fight cancer with the glutathione they contain. This compound has been found to not only prevent the growth of oral cancer cells, but also kill them. In addition, avocado extract was proven to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. This versatile green food also brought upon cell death in leukemia cells. So slice up some avocado in your salad, spread it on toast, or find some way to get this into your diet.
Eat Up
All five of these foods are easy to come by and simple to incorporate into your daily diet. In the end, eat more fruit and guacamole and you’re already on your way to preventing cancer! That’s a plan I can get on board with. If you’re in need of some recipes check out the ones below. Not only do they incorporate the foods that fight cancer outlined above, they are budget friendly too. Screw people who say you can’t eat healthy AND cheap.
Organic Raspberry Chia Oats with Honey
Organic Fruit Skewers and Honey Yogurt Dip
One Pot Organic Chicken with Wild Rice and Vegetables
Organic Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Avocado and Organic Baked Eggs with Organic Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Organic Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich
Organic Black Bean Pasta with Roasted Tomatillo Avocado Sauce
Awesome post Elizabeth Bruno. Thanks for this post. Every one should used to have it, at least 4 days in a week. Taking Tomatoes helps to keeps our Heart well.
goog thing I love eating Guacamole! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
A adore avocados with garlic. Thanks for sharing the list )))
Great list! Thanks for sharing.