Health
Superfoods to Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death, both in the United States and worldwide, attributed to 9.5 million deaths as well as 18.1 million new cases diagnosed in 2018. Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled replication of cells that spread into surrounding tissues and body parts. It is not a single disease, but rather a collection of diseases with similar characteristics. Cancer can arise in any part of the body or any tissue, but some common types are: lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, skin, and sarcoma cancer. While certain factors predispose individuals to cancer, there are key actions, including diet, that can help prevent development of cancer in such individuals: 1. Berries Berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C which can help fight cell damage and promote cell repair. These have been linked to less cell breakdown which may be most helpful in prevention of cancers of the skin and soft tissue cancers like epithelioid sarcoma cancer. 2. Cruciferous vegetables Another food that could be beneficial in prevention of cancer is cruciferous vegetables which have glucosinolates in them. This compound breaks down into two other compounds during the digestion process which have been shown to decrease cancer risk. Some examples of these vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, bok choy, and kale, among others.
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