Are there foods that prevent cancer?...Good foods vs. bad foods

Are there foods that prevent cancer?... Good foods vs. bad foods © Comedy.com

 

 

Maintaining health and reducing the risk of disease primarily depend on proper lifestyle habits. Among these habits, eating habits play an absolutely crucial role. The same applies to cancer prevention. A healthy diet rich in fiber, antioxidants to prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of obesity can provide these benefits.

Dr. Tracy Crane, Director of Lifestyle Medicine and Digital Health at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center affiliated with the University of Miami, and a certified nutritionist, said, "The food we eat every day, that is, the choices we make daily, have a complex overall impact on cancer risk." Dr. Maya Badi Bello, Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Rhode Island and a certified nutritionist, also emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits, noting that people tend to consume too much refined grains, added sugars, saturated fats, and salt.

Two experts recently appeared on the American NBC broadcast 'Today' to introduce foods that are good and bad for cancer prevention.

Foods that are good for cancer prevention

The overall dietary goal is for two experts to agree that it is to consume a plant-based diet rich in non-starchy fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. That doesn't mean you have to be vegetarian. The goal is to eat more plant-based foods in your regular diet. To obtain a variety of nutrients, it is recommended to choose fruits and vegetables of different colors, such as red, green, and orange.

Berries = strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc. are rich in antioxidants.

Tomato = There is research indicating that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for the red color of tomatoes, has a preventive effect against prostate cancer. In particular, lycopene is absorbed better when consumed with fats.

Broccoli = Including broccoli, cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts contain a compound called isothiocyanate, which is known to have cancer-preventive effects. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in fiber and low in calories.

Carrots = Orange vegetables and fruits such as sweet potatoes, apricots, and mangoes contain a carotenoid component called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is known to reduce the risk of cancer through its powerful antioxidant effects.

Tea, coffee = Dr. Crane said that there are several research results indicating that people who drink a lot of tea and coffee have a lower risk of developing cancer. The common point is that they are rich in antioxidants. However, if you add a lot of sugar, cream, syrup, etc., it can have a negative effect, so caution is advised.

Flaxseed = Flaxseed has been reported to alleviate inflammation and contain up to 800 times more lignans than other plant-based foods. Lignans are polyphenolic compounds found in plants that possess antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, it appears to help inhibit the growth, size, and spread of cancer cells.

Turmeric = The yellow spice made by drying and grinding the root part of turmeric. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Spinach = According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, spinach contains beta-carotene, fiber, and phytochemicals, which can help reduce the risk of cancer. Let's also add other dark green leafy vegetables like kale and mustard greens to the diet.

Quinoa = As a whole grain and a plant-based protein, quinoa can also be a food that helps reduce the risk of cancer, Dr. Crane said.