Reena’s friend Shonali’s father had recently been diagnosed with cancer. On a visit to the hospital to drop Shonali, Reena saw a poster on a lecture by an eminent oncologist. The doctor was going to deliver a talk on how a diet rich in superfoods could reduce the risk of this condition in the long term. Cancer superfoods? What are these? Reena wondered.
Diet plays a crucial part in the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions and even cancer. Cancer development is considerably influenced by what you eat. Some foods, also termed as cancer superfoods contain certain beneficial compounds that help decrease the growth of cancer. Some of the superfoods that help prevent cancer are:
1. Broccoli
Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a plant compound that has been shown to have potent anti-cancer properties. It causes tumor cell death and reduces tumor size in test tube and animal studies. Broccoli belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables, superfoods that can help prevent cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Steam it, or use in soups, salads or pasta to get maximum benefits.
2. Berries
Berries of all kinds such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are potent cancer superfoods. They contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that are associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Including a serving or two of berries a day in your diet may help protect you against cancer. Berries are had fresh as is, or you could sprinkle a generous serving on your favorite dessert.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is well known for its ability to reduce blood sugar and ease inflammation. Some animal studies also indicate it is a cancer superfood since cinnamon extract can help decrease the growth and spread of cancer. Taking half to one teaspoon of cinnamon powder a day in your diet may help you reap its anti-cancer benefits. Try cinnamon tea, use it in desserts, as a spice in your curries or to flavour rice.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a staple in Indian cooking and is also a cancer superfood. Its active curcumin is a chemical compound that has anti-inflammatory anti-oxidant and even anti-cancer properties. It has been effective in reducing the growth of lung, breast and prostrate cancer cells in animal studies. You should aim for half to 3 teaspoons of turmeric in your diet in a day.
5. Citrus fruits
Rich in Vitamin C with a delicious tangy taste, citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit are superfoods that help prevent cancer. They have been particularly found to prevent cancers of the digestive tract and upper respiratory tract. A few servings of citrus fruits in a day could pass you their anti-cancer benefits. Eat them fresh or juice them or even relish them as salads.
6. Garlic
Several human studies indicate that garlic is an effective cancer superfood due to its ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. This is due to its active ingredient allicin, that has been shown to kill cancer cells in several test-tube studies. A clove of fresh raw garlic a day might be enough for consumption on a daily basis to get its benefits. Eat it raw or add it to your curries and gravies and serve it to family.
7. Tomatoes
Lycopene, a chemical compound found in tomatoes not only is responsible for their vibrant red colour, but also for their anti-cancer properties. Higher intake of tomatoes has been found to be associated with a decreased risk of prostrate cancer. You can take a serving or more in a day by adding them to salads, soups, curries or sauces.
All of the superfoods that help prevent cancer listed above, however, are not a cure for cancer. Moreover, a healthy diet is just one of the ways to prevent yourself against cancer. You may be at risk for several other factors at the same time. Detection of cancer, be it in the early or late stage, can affect not only the patient but the whole family. High treatment costs pose a financial challenge and can be overwhelming in those difficult times.
Hence it is prudent to opt for cancer insurance such as the Future Generali Cancer Protect Plan. It provides financial assistance to you at every step of your journey right from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. All this helps you to recuperate and cope better during your fight against cancer. So, protect the health of your loved ones and yourself by choosing a cancer insurance plan that fits your needs and requirements.
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