Cancer is a group of diseases that are characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, according to Cancer.org. “If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death.” The good news is that you can decrease your chance of developing cancer; for instance, lowering your alcohol consumption, quitting cigarette smoking, and protecting yourself from the sun can significantly lower your chances.
According to research, “death rates are increasing for cancers of the liver, pancreas, and uterine corpus, and cancer is now the leading cause of death in 21 states, primarily due to exceptionally large reductions in death from heart disease.”
There are certain foods that have cancer fighting capabilities. For instance, some berries can cause cancer cells to self-destruct. Walnuts have the potential to help fight tumors and tomatoes can destroy cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
According to research, “an increased daily consumption of onions, garlic, and other allium species like chives and leeks significantly reduced the chances of cancer cells developing in the mouth, larynx, esophagus, colon, breast, ovary, and kidneys.”
From protecting your vision to aiding in weight loss and preventing diabetes, the foods on this list all contain numerous health benefits. But the one thing that they all have in common – they are cancer fighting superfoods.
Broccoli
Broccoli, kale, asparagus, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are all anti-cancer superfoods, Connie Rogers, Certified Integrative Nutritional Holistic Health Coach, says. “Cruciferous vegetables contain sulforophane, which has anti-cancer properties.”
Vitamin D Rich Foods
Vitamin D rich foods including organic shiitake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, sunflower sprouts, and fenugreek have anti-cancer properties, Rogers says. “As humans we thrive on sun exposure for brain and whole body health. Additionally, ingesting organic vitamin D rich foods has potent anti-cancer properties. Avoid fortified or enriched foods that can contain harmful synthetics.”
Fermented Foods
“These foods include organic raw sauerkraut or fermented raw carrots,” Rogers says. “Improved gut microbiome can be cancer preventative. Probiotic protective bacteria reduce the level of carcinogenic activity.”
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is considered a detoxifying medical herb. “Health benefits include improving red blood cell count and neutralizing environmental pollutants within the body,” Rogers says. “Wheatgrass also demonstrates benefits in cancer prevention. You can use wheatgrass by juicing it daily in 2oz shots.”
Parsley
“Parsley is a superfood used to treat a wide variety of conditions and help prevent oxidative stress diseases such as cancer,” Rogers says. “Quercetin is a plant pigment found in green leafy herbs such as parsley and fruits and veggies such as berries and broccoli. It contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-cancer properties, and fights free radical damage.” Quercetin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells with the ability to act as chemo preventers, she adds.