February 4th is World Cancer Day. It’s an important reminder for us all that our health is really the most important thing.
In an effort to help you take proactive steps towards ensuring your healthy bodies and help fight off potential cancers, we’ve collected a short cheat sheet of the 7 top researched foods that might help you do that.
Take this list with you the next time you’re grocery shopping and think of ways to incorporate these healthy foods in your cooking.
To your good health!
Garlic
While super stinky it’s super healthy! The same sulfur compounds causing that bad breath may also stop cancer-causing substances from forming in your body, speed DNA repair, and kill cancer cells.
Broccoli
Your mom always said to eat your greens right? Along with Kale, Cauliflower and Cabbage, broccoli contains phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes. Best consumed raw though you can also steam or sauté as a great side dish to reap the benefits.
Tomatoes
The beautiful red color of tomatoes has great potential in warding off certain cancers.
That red hue comes from a phytochemical called lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Several studies suggest that a lycopene-rich diet is connected to a reduced risk of prostate cancer.
Strawberries
All berries are an antioxidant powerhouse, especially blueberries. Strawberries have been shown to possibly protect against heart disease as well as various cancers so be sure to add them to your shopping list.
Carrots
Best consumed cooked. One of the easiest vegetables to love, carrots are packed with disease-fighting nutrients. They contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant scientists believe may protect cell membranes from toxin damage and slow the growth of cancer cells. And carrots deliver other vitamins and phytochemicals that might guard against cancers of the breast, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and stomach.
Spinach
Again with the greens? There is a trend here as you can see. An antioxidant called lutein, found in spinach, could play a role in guarding against cancer and it’s also good for your eyes! Lutein removes free radicals from our bodies before they can damage it.
Whole Grains
Dark bread is always better than white bread, both in taste and in nutritional value. Whole grains play a huge role in supporting your diet and should be reflected in your bread, rice and even the chips you choose to eat! Always try to choose whole-grain ingredients to get the best source of grains for your body.
There are so many foods that are great in supporting our overall health and especially at fighting off diseases. Food is really the best kind of medicine and your nutrition is key to everything (including your mood, hormones and weight). Try to limit processed foods and stick to lots of vegetables in your diet as a rule of thumb and you’ll reap the benefits in no time.
