Article by Dr. S. P. Pradhan, MD
Cancer incidence is increasing due to our lifestyle, obesity, genetic predisposition. Foods mixed with green vegetables, nuts, fiber are excellent sources of antioxidants to beat cancer.
Choosing right type of foods rich in anti-oxidants help in prevention of cancers. Antioxidants rich foods help in prevention of generation of free radicals inside our body for cancer cell formation. We should have a discussion regarding the a variety of foods with a mix of cereals, vegetables, fruits, nuts, oils having anti cancer property.
Daily diet to beat cancers
Whole Cereals role in Colon cancer prevention
Whole grain cereals have the desired fibers in it to prevent colorectal cancers. Fibers have enormous health benefits like control of cholesterol level in our body, prevention of constipation and the most important thing is prevention of colon cancers.
Colorectal cancers have increased incidence in population exposed to low fiber diet and high amount of red meat. The outer bran layer of cereals have the fibers which is usually removed in polished cereals.
Cereals should be as whole grain like brown rice, whole wheat flour, oat, barley. Dietary fibers protect the intestinal mucosa and maintain a healthy gut microbiota. Numerous studies have established the fact that dietary fibers have a positive impact on prevention of colon cancer.
The correlational studies are consistent with 61.9% of reports. Animal models also have proven the potential beneficial role in colon carcinoma. Fibers also dilute the toxins in our gut that are potential carcinogens or cancer causing agents which aid in colorectal cancers.
Americans within 50 to 75 years are of greatest risk for colorectal cancers with rapidly increasing incidence. The developed countries have more such cases due changing lifestyle.
Vegetables
Green vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants having beneficial role in many cancers.
Carrots have numerous antioxidants to beat cancers. Cancers like stomach cancer and prostate cancer patients benefit a lot after taking carrots. Carrots are rich in carotenoids which are pro vitamin A.
They are helpful in reducing the incidence of aero digestive cancers like mouth, oesophagus, stomach cancers. Not only in cancers, but also carrots aid in vision and skin disorders.
Tomatoes are among the super foods with highly potent anti-carcinogenesis or cancer preventing property. Their distinctive colour is due to the phytochemical lycopene. In 2007 AICR report, it is evident that tomatoes are very effective in prostate cancers.
Broccoli are rich in glucosinolates forming sulforaphanes are having very good in preventing prostate cancers. They are among the the category of cruciferous vegetables having enormous anticancer property.
Other cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, kale in adequate amounts have beneficial roles in cancers.
Nuts with anti-cancer Property
All nuts by nature are rich in cancer preventing ingredients. Almonds are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is also found in good amount in hazel nuts , pine nuts. Gamma tocopherols are other forms of vitamin E found in walnuts and pistachios have anti-inflammatory properties useful in many cancers.
Gamma tocopherols help in preventing cancer growth. They are potent scavengers of free radicals generated during the process of carcinogenesis. Selenium is an essential component in many anti oxidant enzymes are rich in brazil nuts. They also contain phytochemicals like flavonoids and phenolic compounds having antioxidant properties.
Fruits in reducing cancer Incidence
Apples prove right to the famous proverb “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples having polyphenols with promising role in many cancers. They contain not only rich anti-oxidants but also good amounts of fibers.
In breast cancers and colon cancer prevention, apples reduces risk of carcinogenesis. All the fruits have some kind of role in cancers. citrus fruits like oranges, sweet lemons are rich in vitamin C. They reduce incidence of cancers of digestive tract, pancreas, prostate cancers.
Grapes containing resveratrol and a wide range of phytochemicals in grapes have enormous cancer fighting capabilities. They are also good source of fibers adding to other benefits like controlling metabolic syndromes and obesity. Obesity is home to many cancers and compounds present in grapes aid in weight management.
Berries in fighting cancer
Blueberries contain phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, stilbenes and nutrients like vitamin C to fight cancers. They have potent anti-oxidants and ability to repair DNA in cells. Pterostilbane found in blueberries have natural cancer fighting capabilities. Other berries like raspberry, cranberry also have full of phytochemicals to beat cancer.
Other dietary items role in cancer prevention
Garlic has a role in preventing colorectal cancers. They have many phytochemicals with potential anti-cancer properties. It helps in DNA repair, slows the growth of cancer cells and decrease inflammation.
Green tea also contain natural antioxidants to beat cancer. Particularly epigallocatechin galette role is extensively studied by scientists all over the world.
