`Super Foods` for cancer

Salome Phelamei

Do you yearn for a healthier, fitter and disease free life? I am sure the answer is a big ‘YES’. But, it all depends on the types of food that you take. Possibly, once should also know about the importance of food and its functions, which ones to eat more and which ones to limit as per the needs of the body. Perhaps, if you truly want to live the best lifestyle, you must leave all your unhealthy food habits and start eating better. Well, different foods have different amounts of energy and so is their function in the body. Some foods help in fighting against various diseases- cancer, heart disease, ageing, etc, whereas other foods can actually worsen the ailments. However, you can attain the best health by choosing to eat wisely. Following are the top ‘Super Foods’ that may decrease your risk of getting cancer while nourishing your body with its high nutrients. Broccoli Green in colour, rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, broccoli has the supreme cancer-fighting power. It contains antioxidants and is also an excellent source of beta-carotene. Broccoli can be eaten it raw in salad, or you can steam or even fry it. Cherries Cherries contain an alcohol that fights many kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidants. Cherries are one of the most delicious treats in the world and are simply perfect for popping into your mouth as a luxury. Tomatoes This beautiful garden vegetable contains lycopene, a powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Having lycopene-rich tomatoes can dramatically reduce skin damage (wrinkles and dark spots) caused by sunlight. Tomatoes can be eaten in diverse ways, including raw as part of salads, and in drinks too. Garlic Usually known as the herbal ‘Wonder Drug’ due to its multiple health benefits and healing powers, garlic contains a group of compounds that work to kill bacteria and fungus, and stimulate the immune system. Garlic is used for a myriad of health problems, including high cholesterol and coughs. Research proves that breast cancer cells die when exposed to garlic in test tubes. Salmon For the fish lovers, here’s good news as studies show eating fish twice a week is good for your health, especially salmon. Loaded with fish oil, it contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which cuts the risk of breast cancer, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow characteristics, and may even improve response to chemotherapy. Turmeric This yellow-orange powder is widely used as an aroma in various Indian dishes. Giving an attractive colour to the foods, this ginger-based herb has many health benefits as it contains aromatic oils that exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer movement. Turmeric also protects against free radicals which are harmful for health causing various diseases when present in excess. Soy Soy is used as a replacement of red meat by vegetarians due to its versatility and its value as a protein source. Bu there’s more to this protein rich food than meets the eye as soy also has phytochemicals that are identified to greatly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Green Tea Everyday we hear about the many health benefits of green tea such as age-fighting, skin protection and for weight loss, etc. Green tea has strong antioxidants that hamper cancer cells from growing. Studies show that people who regularly drink green tea trim down their risk of many cancers, including breast cancer. Flaxseed Slightly larger than sesame seeds, and have a hard shell that is smooth and shiny, this tiny wonder food contains high levels of dietary fibre as well as lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds may also lower cholesterol levels, especially in women. Initial studies suggest that flax seeds taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers. Berries Berries (strawberries, blackberries and raspberries) are naturally sweet and yummy to eat, yes, but they also have a common and powerful cancer fighter called ellagic acid, which is a natural phenol antioxidant found in numerous fruits and vegetables. Eating a diet rich in blueberries, raspberries and blackberries help reduce the risk of a number of cancers. Plums and Peaches Recently, a new study has found that extracts of peaches and plums can devastate breast cancer cells due to the presence of two natural compounds- neochlorogenic and chlorogenic phenolic acids. These two phenols are also found in many fruits, but peaches, plums and other stone fruits have richer phenolic compounds. Scientists are certain that the power of these phenols that can destroy cancer cells, are greater than those of blueberry extracts.