12 Best Cancer Fighting Foods

 Cancer is the second leading cause of death  in the entire world behind heart disease. Cancer is a dreadful illness that is linked  to chronic inflammation within the body. To fight inflammation and consequently  minimize your risk for cancer you need to maintain a healthy diet filled with  some of the world's best cancer-fighting foods. Here are the top 12 foods you should  eat for their anti-inflammatory properties as well as their antioxidant effects.

1. Apples:

According to a study review published  by advances in nutrition in 2011, consuming apples and products made from this fruit  reduces your risk for cancer. Additionally, it has beneficial effects on other health conditions  including asthma heart disease, and Alzheimer's.

2. Berries:

In a 2013 animal study published by anti-cancer  research, researchers found that strawberries present great potential in minimizing  tumor growth among oral cancer patients. Additionally, another study published by  the international journal of molecular sciences in 2015 pointed out that berries  are the best source of bioactive compounds which are among the world's  most potent antioxidants.

3. Carrots:

Carrots have always been known as one  of the world's healthiest vegetables. But more than that, several studies  have proven that carrot consumption helps reduce the risk of a variety of cancers. For example, it improves gastric cancer markers  according to a study review published by the journal of gastric cancer in 2015. Additionally,  another study published by the European Journal of Nutrition shows that carrot consumption is  effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

4. Cinnamon:

Cinnamon is one of the most prized spices  in Ayurveda or traditional medicine. But a novel study published by BMC cancer in 2019  has proven that cinnamon can kill cancer tumors. In the study, researchers were able to prove  its efficacy in fighting various types of cancer including colorectal cancer, cervical  cancer, melanoma, and lymphoma.

5. Cruciferous vegetables:

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli  and cauliflower are rich in a substance called sulforaphane. According to a study  published by clinical cancer research in 2010, this compound is effective in  fighting breast cancer stem cells. Additionally, a study published  by carcinogenesis in 2004 has proven that the consumption of cruciferous  vegetables helps fight prostate cancer given that breast cancer and prostate cancer  are the two most common cancers in the world. The effects of these vegetables  could be incredibly significant.

6. Fatty fish:

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and  sardines are rich in essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids like omega-3s are  crucial to fighting cancer. A study published by nutrients in 2019 proved that consuming  fish that are rich in omega-3s helps protect against not just cancer but also the health  complications that come with such a disease.

7. Garlic:

Garlic is rich in allicin, a biologically  active component that is used in a variety of natural treatments. But in a study  published by nutrition in cancer in 2010, allicin extracted from garlic was proven to be  effective in eliminating colon cancer cells. Given its anti-inflammatory  and antibiotic properties, increasing your garlic consumption could lower  your risk for other cancers and diseases as well.

8. Legumes:

Legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils  are rich in dietary fiber which have long been proven to minimize the risk of a wide  variety of cancers. One of the essential studies on the subject is one that was published by the  American journal of clinical nutrition in 2015. Through that study, researchers  found that consuming more dietary fiber lowers your risk for cancers of  the ovary, colon lungs, and prostate.

9. Nuts and seeds:

Nuts and seeds are among the healthiest sources  of good fats. But according to a study published by the British journal of nutrition in 2015,  people who consume more nuts are less likely to get cancer. They are also more likely to live  longer than those who do not consume nuts at all. Although there are plenty of healthy nuts,  walnuts and almonds are some of your best choices. For seeds, none are better  than flax seeds and chia seeds.

10. Spinach:

All leafy greens are incredibly useful  for your health but spinach is among the most beneficial yet inexpensive and  practical foods to eat to fight cancer. According to the American Institute for cancer  research, spinach is filled with carotenoids, flavonols, vitamin c, and fiber which  are all essential to cancer prevention.

11. Turmeric:

Ginger has always been considered a  miracle root because of its potent anti-inflammatory properties. But turmeric,  its close relative is even more beneficial, specifically for its anti-cancer properties. A study led by researchers from Washington  state university in 2019 shows that the curcumin extracted from turmeric inhibits the  growth of cancer cells in the bones. This is considered a tremendous advancement in medicine  since most cancers eventually affect the bones.

12. Tomatoes: 

Although tomatoes are beneficial for your overall  health, it is especially useful in fighting prostate cancer. According to a study published  by the journal of the national cancer institute  in 2002, fresh tomatoes, as well as products  derived from them, are rich in lycopene. It is this nutrient that makes tomatoes useful for  protection against cellular damage and cancer. Whether the cancer is in your family history or  not, eating these foods cannot be overlooked. If you are already battling cancer or  you simply want to be healthy enough to minimize the risk for it, fill up your  diet with these cancer-fighting foods. Not only will your body be primed  to fight this dreaded disease, but you will also be healthier overall.