Food is a vital tool in reducing the risk of cancer. Alison Tierney, a professional oncology dietitian who has personally fought cancer, advises focusing on plant-based foods rich in phytonutrients that help combat cancer.
Here are five types of foods she recommends always having in your kitchen.
Research shows that soy-based foods are linked to a reduced risk of cancer. Soy contains compounds called soy isoflavones, which Tierney explains interact with estrogen receptors in the body in a protective way, helping to balance hormones and potentially lowering the risk of hormone-related cancers.
Including soy as part of a healthy diet can help prevent cancer.
Ground flaxseeds are rich in lignans, plant compounds that help balance hormones and may reduce breast cancer risk. Studies also indicate that flaxseed protein might influence cancer cell behavior and reduce their spread.
Try adding 1–2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies daily.
Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane and indoles, compounds that help the body break down and eliminate carcinogens, support estrogen metabolism, and aid DNA repair processes.
Eating a variety of these vegetables several times a week is an easy habit with great benefits.
Berries are rich in anthocyanins, natural pigments that give red, purple, and blue colors, as well as vitamin C. These nutrients act as antioxidants, protecting DNA from damage that could lead to cancer.
Tierney likes to keep frozen blueberries and raspberries at home because they are convenient, affordable, and nutritionally complete.
These are excellent sources of plant protein and fiber. This group of foods is important in cancer-preventive diets because they promote healthy digestion and help eliminate toxins from the body. Experts often recommend nuts and whole grains as pillars of a cancer-fighting diet.
Eating a plant-based diet does not mean being 100% vegetarian but rather prioritizing vegetables and fruits on your plate.Whole grainsand various nuts
Additionally, staying well hydrated is crucial for cancer prevention because it dilutes carcinogens that may be present in urine and helps flush toxins from the body.
Source:Parade