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Foods that help reduce cancer risk

An apple also plays a  chemopreventive role in breast cancer.

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by SHARON MWENDE

News07 May 2023 - 08:54
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In Summary


  • Researches done have shown that some foods aid in the prevention and reduction of cancerous cells.
  • These foods contain polyphenols antioxidants which prevent or reverse cell damage.  There are more than 500 unique polyphenals.
A bunch of fresh leafy kale

Cancer has become one of the world's scares, prompting various studies on the subject.

Research has shown that some foods aid in the prevention and reduction of cancerous cells.

These foods contain polyphenols antioxidants which prevent or reverse cell damage.  There are more than 500 unique polyphenols.

 

They also contain resveratrol which prevents blood clotting and has blood-sugar-lowering properties.

Anti-cancerous foods are also rich in Vitamin C, which helps maintain bones and skin and boost the body's immunity. 

Kale

Kale is high in Vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, E, and K1. It is also rich in iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and calcium.

It also contains sulforaphane, a phytochemical believed to stimulate cell death in colon cancer. 

Salmon 

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein which are needed to help cancer survivors and patients.

A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry showed that omega 3 reduced tumors' size by between 60 and 70 percent, in mice with a severe form of the disease.

According to the Daily Mail, the study's author Professor David Ma from the University of Guelph expressed hope in the fats in the future of fighting cancer.

"Seeing the significant benefits omega-3s can have in combating a highly aggressive form of breast cancer means omega-3s will likely be beneficial for other types of cancer," he said.

Apple

A study done by PubMed Central said an apple contains polyphenols phloretin, which represses breast cancer cell migration through the inhibition of type 2 glucose transporters.

Known as GLUT2, it plays a role in cell growth, leading to cancer.

"Apples also contain other phytochemicals or polysaccharides with anti-tumorigenic effects in breast cancer cells," the study added.

An apple also plays a  chemopreventive role in breast cancer.

Eating apples regularly was found to also prevent colon cancer.

Legumes

These include beans, lentils, and peas which are high in protein, vitamins C, B6, and fiber. 

According to Cancer Research UK, fibre reduces the risk of bowel cancer.

"Fibre helps us to poo more often, increases the size of poos, and dilutes their contents. This means harmful chemicals spend less time in the bowel," the institute says. 

It adds that fibre mixes with bacteria in the bowel forming butyrate, which helps the cells in the bowel to stay healthy.

This lessens the chances of tumor growth.

Other foods containing fiber are whole grains including oats, quinoa, millet, sorghum, wheat and corn. 

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