Odds are high–more than one in three–that you will develop some type of cancer in your lifetime. You’ve likely been told to avoid certain foods, such as processed meats, processed snacks and sugary drinks. Nikki Campo reports for the New York Times on what you should eat to ward off cancer.
Of all the foods recommended, garlic is one that you might not realize offers tremendous benefits. To reap these benefits, particularly with regard to stomach and colorectal cancer, you need only eat five cloves of garlic each weak. Raw garlic, in salad dressings and guacamole, for example, is particularly good for you.
Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage are all filled with plant compounds that help clear out toxins in your body. They protect against ongoing harm to your cells. Some say that they help defend against prostate, colorectal, bladder and breast cancer. Eat a lot of them each week, at least four or five servings.
Eating a lot of tomatoes is linked to a reduced likelihood of prostate cancer. Tomatoes have a powerful antioxidant. Cooked tomatoes with olive oil appears to be even better for you than raw ones because the cooking helps our bodies absorb the lycopene, which is the compound that fends off cancer.
Beans and legumes help give you protein and fiber. Fiber is linked to keeping colorectal cancer at bay. The cells in our colon stay healthy from the fiber that is broken down by the bacteria in our gut. You’ll need to eat 16 ounces of beans, chickpeas and lentils each day to reap benefits.
Walnuts and other nuts deliver protein and fiber. They are linked to reduced risk of cancers of the digestive system. When you eat a lot of walnuts, your colon wall lining is healthier. You need only eat a handful of nuts each day to reap benefits.
Berries are filled with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and flavonoids. They protect your cells from damage and stress, which can make you more susceptible to cancer. If all you eat is four ounces of berries each day, you should reap benefits.
Here’s more from Just Care: