Fruits and vegetables include phytonutrients, which function as a defense against bacteria, fungi, and other threats. These compounds also contain components that might be good for human health, such as those that help prevent diseases like cancer.
It goes without saying that no diet can totally stop cancer development or prevention. Start with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Moreover, meals high in nutrients must be included.
But studies show that some foods within those categories stand out for their ability to fight cancer. The finest winter superfoods to include in your diet to lower your chance of developing different cancers are listed in this article.
The top winter superfoods to consume to help prevent cancer are as follows:
Tomatoes
Because of their red color, tomatoes are a deadly weapon for prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. A ripe, juicy tomato is hard to resist. The pigment that gives red its color is lycopene, a strong antioxidant phytochemical that is mostly present in tomatoes. Numerous studies have found a link between a diet high in lycopene and a decreased risk of prostate cancer.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which has the capacity to inhibit cancer cells, including those in charge of skin, gastrointestinal, lung, and breast cancer. Studies have revealed that it can significantly prevent and slow the development of breast cancer because of its strong cell-protecting, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Walnuts
All types of nuts are very nutritious. Walnuts, however, stand out because of their ability to combat cancer. Studies have demonstrated that the bioactive compounds found in walnuts, such as the omega-3 fatty acids and tocopherols, which contain vitamin E activity, can suppress the formation of tumors. Additionally, they contain phytosterols, which resemble cholesterol-like compounds. Phytosterols may inhibit the estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best foods to prevent prostate, colon, and bladder cancer. It is the only one with a considerable concentration of sulforaphane, a powerful compound that boosts the body's natural defenses and gets rid of cancer-causing chemicals. It contains fiber, which has its own benefits and helps you achieve your daily requirements for fiber.
Garlic
Long believed to have exceptional medicinal powers, garlic. Even while physicians have long believed it to be able to prevent cancer, they have just recently discovered why. Actually, garlic increases the activity of macrophages and natural killer cells, which inhibits the development of cancer cells. Consuming garlic raw seems to be the best method to take advantage of its anti-inflammatory effects since cooking or pickling causes its protective chemicals to break down.
Beans
Foods high in fiber, such as beans, may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Beans include cancer-preventing elements such as phenolic acids and anthocyanins, according to laboratory testing. The dark color of red and black beans is due to a flavonoid called anthocyanins. Regarding the direct link between eating beans and the risk of developing cancer, there is limited and contradictory information.
Onions
The allium vegetable family, which includes both garlic and onions, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is presently the focus of intensive research by scientists because of its antioxidant properties and potential to slow the development of cancer cells. Eating a lot of onions has been shown to reduce the chance of getting lung cancer. Quercetin, an anti-cancer flavonoid, is also found in foods like onions.
This winter, be sure to include these nutrient-dense foods in your diet!
