In this day and age, cancer seems hard to escape. It feels like almost every food will lead to it. This can be, in part, due to the use of GMOs. When food is genetically modified with lack of true testing in the long term, it’s no surprise that the risk of cancer from said foods could increase.
This can feel scary. You may ask yourself “what am I supposed to eat that’s safe?” Well, just as the use of GMOs rises, so has evidence against these risky alternatives. Furthermore, a marketplace for natural, unmodified foods opened up. Shopping for whole, carcinogen-free foods has become easier and more readily available.
Looking for some of the best whole foods to help you avoid cancer? Continue reading for a list of great options.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains numerous compounds, such as curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. What does this mean in layman’s terms? Turmeric can be a powerful brain healthy, cancer avoiding, anti-inflammatory superfood. But turmeric goes past just avoiding cancer, it may have positive effects on cancer itself. The compounds found within it have been used to minimize tumor sizes in cancers such as colon, breast, and prostate.
Broccoli
Everyone is aware that broccoli is a healthy vegetable to eat, but did you know it has compounds that may protect against cancer? Not only is it a strong source of nutrients and immune-boosting vitamins, but its compounds have been seen to protect from cancers of the stomach, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.
Broccoli Sprouts
Your parents have probably told you to eat your broccoli before, but did they ever tell you to eat your broccoli sprouts? Turns out, the seeds from a broccoli plant germinate and grow for three to five days and turn into another powerful superfood. With lots of nutrition and little calories, these sprouts contain 50 times more chemoprotective compounds than regular broccoli. Not only that, they also have sulforaphane, which is said to strengthen the body’s natural defense towards DNA damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Just like turmeric, it may be powerful in preventative actions against multiple cancers, such as bladder, liver, breast, prostate, and brain.
Green Tea
Green Tea’s benefits are a little less cut and dry then some of the other options, but research has showed promising results on its preventative nature. It has been connected to the lowering of risk in colorectal and stomach cancers in women. It has also been tied to the possible decrease of Prostate-Specific Antigen levels for patients with prostate cancer.
Blueberries
Out of 20 different types of fruit, blueberries won first place for their antioxidant capacity. This can helpful when it comes to avoiding cancer. One of the best ways to defeat something is going straight to the source. Blueberries may help deny cancer cells of their oxygen supply, as well as the nutrient molecules required to reproduce. How is this possible? Inside blueberries lives a molecule that can slow the development of blood vessels that feed malignant cells. All of this combined makes it a great anticancer superfood.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed may help protect the kidneys from harm. It’s able to do this because it’s comprised of alpha-linolenic acid. This acid is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed can be an easy addition to your salads, cereals, smoothies, and other everyday foods.
Contributors include Liana Werner-Gray, author of The Earth Diet.