11 Foods That Could Lower Your Risk of Cancer

Cancer is a fairly serious disease, and that is why we should find all the possible ways to get away from it. One of the best ways to do this is through your diet and clean eating. Some foods have natural cancer prevention and immune-boosting properties that are very important in preventing it.

Today we present to you 11 natural foods that can help prevent cancer and improve your immune system:

1. Carotene

Carotene has been a highly sought-after subject with regard to its anti-cancer properties. Results from more than 30 studies have concluded that people who eat carotene-rich foods have a lower risk of developing cancer. There are also 14 other randomized studies conducted through the National Cancer Institute sponsorship that determine if carotene can be used to fight cancer in high-risk patients.

Other studies have shown that carotene is an excellent antioxidant, which means that it neutralizes free radicals as well as simple oxygen radicals. Plus, it helps to keep your immune system in perfect condition. In some cases, it is even known to reverse certain precancerous conditions!

Foods containing carotene: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkins, squash, kale, broccoli, apricots, cantaloupe, etc.

 

2. Indoles

Indoles are found in abundance in food belonging to the cabbage family. They are known to destroy inactive estrogens in the body, which is known to develop new cancers, especially in the breast.

Food with indoles: cabbage family – cabbage, kale, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, mustard green, etc.

3. Isoflavones

Isoflavones are one of nature’s best tools that can help prevent cancer. Found mainly in legumes, they are great in blocking estrogen and its receptors. This means that the cancer cell is not functioning normally due to a lack of estrogen. Isoflavones not only stop the spread of cancer cells, but they can also destroy certain enzymes that turned a normal cell into a cancer cell if left alone.

Foods containing isoflavones: Legumes – beans, chickpeas, lentils, lupins, peas, peanuts, etc.

 

4. Lignans

Found mainly in foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish, nuts and flaxseeds, lignans are another easy-to-reach natural cancer-fighting property.

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been well documented, from helping to control cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. But lignans themselves act similarly to isoflavones in that they limit the ability of estrogen to be harmful and prevent the production of prostaglandins, which is a hormone that promotes cellular metabolism.

Foods containing lignans: flax seeds, whole grains, bran, berries, wheat, nuts, oily fish, etc.

 

5. Polyacetylene

The best advantage of polyacetylene, mainly found in parsley, is that it can destroy a serious carcinogen called benzopyrene in your body.

Foods containing polyacetylene: parsley.

 

6. Protease inhibitors

Studies have shown that protease inhibitors, found mainly in soybeans, can stop the development of cancer in certain areas like the lungs, mouth, liver, and esophagus in animals. They do this by stopping the production of enzymes like chymotrypsin and trypsin that can cause cancer to spread, as well as controlling the expression of oncogenes. Protease inhibitors can also prevent normal cells from turning into cancer cells, especially in the early stages of disease development.

Protease inhibitors in food: Soybeans.

 

7. Quinones

Quinones are chemical agents found in rosemary that have proven to be an incredible help in banning the chemicals that cause cancer growth and multiplication, known as carcinogens and co-carcinogens.

Quinoa food: rosemary.

 

8. Sterols

Found mainly in the skin of a cucumber, research linked to the presence of sterols in the body to lower cholesterol. And since high fat (high cholesterol) is one of the leading causes of cancer, from colon, rectum and prostate cancer to uterine, endometrial and breast cancer, it’s definitely a good idea that your cucumber consumption.

Foods containing sterols: cucumbers – especially on the skin.

 

 

9. Sulfur

Did you know that Japanese people have used garlic as a natural pain reliever for a long time? Garlic contains large amounts of sulfur, which has been shown to help prevent carcinogens and enzymes that encourage cancers to develop. Studies at the National Cancer Institute, the US Department of Agriculture, and Loma Linda University are working to identify other benefits of garlic such as immune system enhancement, prevention cancer, stopping blood clots, and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Foods containing sulfur: garlic.

 

10. Terpenes

The easiest way to consume terpenes is to consume citrus fruits. They have been shown to increase the production of an enzyme that breaks down carcinogens. In addition, other benefits of citrus fruits and vitamin C are being explored in research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, such as the ability to cure certain viruses, prevent certain types of cancer, reduce blood cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque.

Foods containing terpenes: citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, grapefruits, clementines, limes, etc.

 

11. Triterpenoids

Triterpenoids are known to control estrogen, prostaglandins and reduce the rate of multiplication and reproduction of cancer cells. You may not like licorice, but it’s undeniable that it definitely has good properties, such as the ability to fight cancer! The National Cancer Institute is also studying some of its other potential uses such as protecting the liver and slowing cell mutation.

Foods containing triterpenoids: licorice.