Our diet has a lot to do with our risk for cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2015 about 171,000 cancer deaths will be caused by tobacco smoking alone. In addition, approximately one-quarter to one-third of the 1,658,370 cancer cases expected to occur in 2015 can be attributed to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity.
Here 5 of the top cancer-fighting foods.
- Tomatoes have long been known to provide many health benefits, and they are thought to play a role in the prevention of many forms of cancers. One of the most important benefits of the tomato is the fact that it contains strong antioxidant properties called lycopene. Antioxidants are thought to interfere with the cell damage that can be caused by free radicals. Free radicals are a natural part of the aging process, and they have been implicated in a number of different types of cancer.
- Blueberries are another fruit rich in all important antioxidants, and for this reason they are thought to play an important role in the prevention of many kinds of cancers. Blue and purple fruits, including blueberries are thought to lower the risk of some cancers, and they also are thought to improve memory function, promote a healthy urinary tract and even mitigate the effects of aging. Blueberries contain many healthy phytochemicals and phenolics, which are currently being studied for their anticancer and antiaging benefits.
- Spinach is one of those important dark green leafy vegetables. A rich source of both vitamin C and beta carotene, spinach is one of the most nutrient dense foods available anywhere. Both vitamin C and beta carotene are known to be powerful antioxidants. Studies have shown these antioxidants to play a role in cancer prevention, with those who eat two or more servings of spinach per week have considerably lower levels of breast and lung cancer.
- Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease. Eat ground flax seed to absorb the benefits from this seed.
- Red Grapes contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, (found in red wine) which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response.
Remember to eat at least 2.5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to reduce your risk for cancer according to the American Cancer Society, in addition to adding the above great cancer-fighting foods.