Cancer preventing foods

Food plays a vital role in cancer prevention and treatment. Even when cancer has been diagnosed, diet continues to be vitally important.

Some foods contain substances that neutralise the action of carcinogens (anticarcinogens), which slow or prevent the development of cancer. All anti carcinogens are plant-based nourishment, which include fresh fruit, vegetables and other food plants.

The following foods are encouraged in reduction and cancer prevention.

Soybean as a super legume

On equal weight basis soybean contains more protein and iron than in meat, more calcium than in milk and more Vitamin B1, B2 than eggs and all of these with no cholesterol. The anti carcinogenic chemicals it contains are effective in preventing breast and prostate cancer.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits together with vegetables are rated as the most effective anticarcinogenic foods. Citrus foods such as lemon, fruit berries, oranges, other fruits like plums and apples protect against colon cancer. Pineapple on other hand prevents stomach cancer.

Vegetables especially carrots and spinach and generally all traditional vegetables protect against cancer. Most effective veggies include beetroots, tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli and radishes.

Oils and fats

Oils and fats substituted with olive oil reduce risk for breast cancer, while garlic with its sulfurated essences that protect against cancer. It also stimulates immunity. 

Yoghurt’s active bacterial culture and lactic acid protect against cancer.

Foods rich in fibre such as whole grains and cereals, accelerates movement through the bowel. These foods retain and remove carcinogenic substances that may be in the digestive tract, excreting them with feaces.  

The writer is a nutritionist practicing health promotion