Cancer is a terrible disease that is killing far too many people. But as scientists continue to study cancer they are finding out more ways to prevent it. Lifestyle choices such as eating right, exercising and not smoking play a very big role in preventing cancer. Sure some cases are caused by viral or genetic conditions, but many cases of cancer can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. One of the factors that have a huge impact on the incidence of cancer is the foods that we eat. Here are some foods that may help to prevent cancer.
Vegetables
Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are known as cruciferous vegetables. They contain many cancer fighting chemicals. They taste great in salads or they can also be steamed as well.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and romaine lettuce are also great foods to eat. They have a lot of fiber and other phyto-chemicals, which may help to reduce your risk of cancer. Spinach tastes great cooked or with a simple spinach salad dressing. While romaine lettuce makes for a great caesar salad.
Fruits
Grapes and red wine contain a compound called resveratrol. This compound may have a number of anti-cancer and anti-aging effects. So it might to prevent cancer and also help you stay younger too. I like to have a glass of red wine when I am sitting on the lanai of a stunning oceanfront condo that I found at vacation rentals hawaii. Sure a little sun may add to the risk of skin cancer but sunscreen and the resveratrol in the wine may help to offset that risk.
Blueberries are a tasty fruit and they have a lot of anti-oxidants too. These anti-oxidants may help to tame free-radicals which can destroy or mutate your cells and cause them to become cancerous. Blueberries are especially yummy on top of yoghurt.
Other Foods
Freshly ground flaxseed contains a number of good fats and lignans. The omega-3 fats are good for your heart and circulatory system in general and eating more good fats and less bad fats can also tip the scales against cancer. Omega-3s can also be found in foods like fish.
Finally, green tea is a tasty low calorie drink that provides a small kick of caffeine and it also offers compounds called catechins, which are strong anti-oxidants and may also serve to help prevent cancer. Green tea also contains a chemical called EGCG which may also help you lose weight. So drinking it is almost like getting two good effects for the price of one.