5 Disease Fighting Foods Shared by a Cancer Survivor
April 15, 2015Even the littlest bit helps when it comes to your health. Add a few of these disease fighting foods to your diet to help keep you illness free.
To find the secret to health and fighting disease, look no further than your very own kitchen. Foods, the correct types of food, actually come packaged with the gift of cancer-fighting properties. What we eat contributes to our energy levels, health, and overall sense of well-being. By eating plant-based foods full of vitamins and minerals, we are able to not just live, but are given the chance to thrive!
According to Colleen Doyle, M.S. R.D., director of nutrition and physical activity for The American Cancer Society, there is no one food that will reduce your risk of cancer—it’s the synergy between many nutrients, vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that’s likely to give you protection. So what are my five top cancer-fighting foods?
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is considered a cruciferous vegetable like kale, cauliflower, and spinach, however broccoli is the only one out this category that has a considerable abundance of sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a compound in foods that allows the body to utilize protective enzymes, enabling us to minimize and remove cancer-causing toxins in the body. A recent study at the University of Michigan also illustrated sulforaphane was able to slow the progression of tumor growth. Broccoli is easy to add to your favorite dishes and it’s even great for a snack with a side of hummus.
2. Berries
Berries are nutritional powerhouses packed with antioxidants. One of the key roles of antioxidants is to protect your cells from damage that can eventually lead to cancer. They are also proven to boost the body’s immune system and are known for increasing energy and stamina with their heart natural sugar. Berries can be added to oatmeal in the mornings or even to your shakes and smoothies for a delicious fruity flavor and decadent creamy textures. Filled with extra vitamin C and fiber, you really get your bang for your buck with these guys.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an easy and delicious addition to any meal or salad. They come packed with lycopene, which is how they get their beautiful red color. Lycopene is said to protect the skin from absorbing the harmful UV rays that lead to skin cancer. Not only are tomatoes great for fighting skin cancers, but they also target defenses for breast, lung, mouth, and prostate cancer. Like berries, tomatoes are very high in antioxidants.
4. Flaxseed
Flaxseed contains a special antioxidant, named lignans, which, like broccoli, help the body flush out toxins. Not only does this help reduce the risk for cancer and disease, it also promotes healthy fat loss as the body removes excess chemicals and harmful carcinogens. Flaxseeds also reduce inflammation and bloating in the body and are great for fighting skin, breast, and lung cancer.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals perfect for fighting disease. They also are packed with vitamin B6, C, and D. Vitamin D regulates our mood, skin, teeth, nerves, bones, and heart. We naturally receive vitamin D from the sun, however people who aren’t outdoors each day may benefit from supplementing with Vitamin D packed foods or a healthy multivitamin that comes equipped with vitamin D and calcium to ensure healthy bones. Since sweet potatoes contain a high dose of vitamin C, they assist the body in ridding itself of colds and the flu and promote the production of healthy red blood cells. Sweet potatoes can be baked into fries or even mashed into delicious mashed potatoes. Try adding cinnamon or stevia toppings for a sweet treat.