Cancer, the leading cause of death worldwide, has made headlines recently with word from Britain that now two members of the Royal Family royal are undergoing treatment for the disease. Catherine (Kate), the Princess of Wales, disclosed on March 22 that she’d been diagnosed with cancer following tests conducted after undergoing abdominal surgery. This follows an announcement from Buckingham Palace earlier this year that King Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer, after receiving unrelated treatment for an enlarged prostate.
While one in two people may be affected by some form of cancer in their lifetime, the good news is that survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in screening, treatment, and prevention. Many cancers can be cured if caught early and treated effectively.
In addition to being aware of symptoms, we can do things to help to prevent the disease, including following a healthy diet. Here at SuperAging, we’re big believers in taking a proactive approach to boosting our health, and by doing so, our longevity. We recently reported on foods that can help us live longer and better, and now we’re breaking down specific foods that may help prevent and/or promote healing from cancer.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that contains sulforaphane, a compound that has shown potential in helping to prevent cancer. It may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Berries: Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which have been linked to a lower risk of various types of cancer. They may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Garlic: Garlic contains organosulfur compounds that have been found to have cancer-fighting properties. It may help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of certain cancers, particularly stomach and colorectal cancer.
Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to help prevent cancer. Regular consumption of green tea has been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and various compounds that may have anticancer properties. They help stimulate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens and may help prevent certain types of cancer.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and stomach cancer. The body may absorb lycopene better when tomatoes are cooked or processed.
Beans and Lentils: Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great sources of fiber and plant-based protein. They also contain phytochemicals that may have anticancer properties. Regular consumption of legumes has been associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer.
It’s important to note that while these foods may have potential health benefits, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption is key in reducing the risk of cancer.