No food can protect people against cancer completely. When we say cancer-fighting foods, we refer to foods that can help lower the risk of developing cancer if a person adds them to their diet.

Studies show that our food can affect many aspects of our health, including the risk of developing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and, most importantly, cancer.

Cancer is a deadly disease caused by uncontrolled divisions of abnormal cells in a part of the body. There are different types of cancer, which include, lung cancer, blood cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, and cervical cancer, among others.

More importantly, there are a lot of foods that contain beneficial compounds and can help in decreasing the growth of cancer. Multiple research has shown that a higher intake of certain foods could be associated with a lower risk of the disease.

We will delve into the research and look at ten foods that may lower your risk of getting cancer.

1. Ofada Rice

Eating Ofada rice has a lot of benefits for the body, and it has proven to be effective in warding off diseases and some other conditions which can be life-threatening. Ofada rice provides essential nutrients like vitamin B, selenium, manganese, potassium, etc. Eating whole-grain foods, like Ofada rice, increases the level of enterolactone in the body, which contains micronutrients that can fight any form of cancer.

2. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Dark green leafy vegetables include lettuce, kale, spinach, and mustard greens. They contain fibres, folates, and carotenoids that help in protecting the body against any form of cancer. Spinach, also known as Ewedu, is one of the healthiest foods on earth, and they are also an excellent cancer fighter. You can blend them into smoothies or take them with your favourite swallow. It’s all left for you to choose what works best for you.

3. Beans

Beans are high in fibre, and research has shown that they can help in protecting against colorectal cancer. Eating a few servings of beans each week may increase your fibre intake and help decrease the risk of developing cancer.

4. Berries

Berries contain anthocyanins and plant pigments with antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the risk of getting cancer. Including berries in your diet each day may help inhibit the development of cancer in the body.

5. Nuts

Studies have shown that eating nuts may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Adding them to your diet every day will go a long way in reducing your risk of developing cancer.

6. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain lycopene, a compound responsible for their vibrant red colour and anticancer properties. Several studies and research has shown that a large intake of lycopene and tomatoes could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. To help increase your intake of tomatoes, include them in your diet daily by adding them to your sandwiches, sauces, salads, or pasta dishes.

7. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound shown to kill off cancer cells in several test-tube studies. A study found that those who eat a lot of allium vegetables like garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots have a lower risk of stomach cancer than those who rarely consume them. Including one clove of fresh garlic into your diet each day can help you take advantage of its health-promoting properties.

8. Fatty Fish

Including a few servings of fatty fish in your diet each week may reduce your risk of cancer. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and anchovies contain nutrients like Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can be linked to a lower risk of cancer. Meaning that having an adequate level of vitamin D in the body is believed to protect the body against the risk of cancer, and Omega-3 fatty acids can block the development of the disease.

9. Apples

Apples contain polyphenols which are one of the promising anticancer properties. Polyphenols are plant-based compounds that may prevent inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and infections. They also possess anticancer and tumour-fighting properties.

10. Citrus Fruits

In some studies, eating citrus fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges has been proven to be associated with a lower risk of cancer. Including a serving of citrus fruits in your diet each week can go a long way in preventing you from developing certain types of cancer.

Dorcas Akintoye
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Dorcas Akintoye is a versatile writer with a passion for beauty, fashion, relationships, and culinary delight. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she adds a touch of elegance to every topic she explores. She is a writer at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.