Cancer is an incurable disease that is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading cause of death. However, a good diet can make a significant difference in fighting cancer. Studies show that increasing intake of certain foods can help in not only cancer prevention but also lower its effects over time. There are certain compounds in these foods that can help with fighting cancer.
So, here are six foods that can benefit a cancer patient in fighting against the disease.
1. Avocados
Avocados are a popular fruit known for the health benefits they provide. One of the benefit that might interest cancer patients is that it has been found to reduce the risk of cancer. Tumors need sugar to grow; they usually get their energy from blood glucose produced by healthy cells. Avocados do not contain sugar but they do contain a non-sugar alcohol called mannitol which disrupts the cancer cells’ ability to absorb glucose, and thus prevents them from growing. It is recommended that you eat the avocado with the peel on as it is known to be rich in antioxidants.
2. Eggs
The nutrients found in eggs are great for preventing and fighting cancer. In particular, eggs contain choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, and folate. These nutrients help prevent cancer by protecting the body from free radicals. Patients of mesothelioma cancer, in particular, benefit greatly from a diet rich in these compounds. A good diet rich in protein, sourced from salmon and eggs, implemented along with the treatment options available for mesotheliomia patients on mesotheliomahope.com, can greatly enhance the patients’ well-being. A study found that people who take more folate are less likely to develop lung cancer if exposed to asbestos.
The choline in eggs helps in protecting against breast and prostate cancers. The lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs help prevent age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in the United States. It also protects against cataracts. Eggs are also good natural sources of selenium, which is an antioxidant that helps kill cancer cells and protects the body from free radical damage.
3. Walnuts
Walnuts may not seem like the most obvious cancer-fighting food, but the truth is that walnuts have been found to help fight certain types of cancers. According to research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, walnuts contain high levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants known as polyphenols. These compounds are responsible for lowering the risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that walnuts have an anti-cancer effect on colorectal tumors. In tests involving mice with colon cancer, scientists found that the walnut extract was able to reduce the size of the tumor and even prevent its growth altogether.
3.Legumes
Legumes — beans, peas, and lentils — have been shown to help in cancer prevention. Legumes are very high in fiber, which helps with digestion and can lower cholesterol. They also contain antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. A research found that consuming legumes can reduce the risk of prostate and colon cancers.
The latest research shows that the benefits of eating legumes in preventing cancer are due to their phytonutrients. One, in particular, is called saponin. Saponins are known to lower cholesterol levels and they also show anti-inflammatory properties, which may prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading throughout your body.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries are a powerhouse when it comes to containing cancer-fighting nutrients. They have exceptionally high levels of antioxidants and ellagic acid. The body needs both antioxidants and ellagic acid for the natural detoxification process in the body.
Strawberries contain ellagic acid, which helps in breaking down lactic acid and flushing it out of the body. Studies conducted at Purdue University, Indiana, have shown the benefits of strawberries and ellagic acid in containing cancer growth.
6. Black Seeds
Black seeds or black cumin are used in a variety of ways for cancer treatment. The seeds contain active ingredients that have been shown to fight cancer cells. One of the active ingredients is thymoquinone, which has powerful anti-cancer properties. The black seed oil kills the tumor cells without harming healthy cells, making it an excellent dietary supplement for people fighting cancer. Black seeds also contain protein and carbohydrates, which can help boost your energy levels while you are undergoing conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Black seeds are often used in combination with other natural remedies because of their anti-cancer properties. They work well with other anti-cancer herbs like turmeric and ginger, or with alternative medical therapies, such as homeopathy.
Conclusion
In addition to these cancer-fighting foods, cancer patients need to take care of their health by exercising regularly along with good medical treatment. Although most cancers are considered incurable, you can prolong your life by incorporating a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
