8 foods that prevent cancer

There are several foods that can prevent cancer, such as tomatoes, broccoli, Brazil nuts, beets, strawberries, blueberries and kefir, as they are rich in nutrients such as omega-3, selenium, probiotics and compounds such as lycopene, anthocyanins and glucosinolates, ensuring antioxidant, immune and anti-inflammatory properties.

Due to these properties, these foods protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals by delaying or inhibiting their oxidation, also preventing mutations in the DNA of cells that favor the formation of tumors, in addition to stimulating the immune system.

However, for these foods to help prevent cancer, they must be part of a healthy and varied diet, in addition to reducing daily stress and practicing physical activity regularly.

Foods that prevent cancer

Some foods that can help prevent cancer are:

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is rich in sulforaphane and glucosinolates, substances that act as antioxidants, protecting cells from DNA changes during multiplication. This food also helps control apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cells when they present a defect or change in their functioning.

In addition to broccoli, other vegetables are also rich in these substances, such as cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula and turnip, and it is recommended that 5 or more servings of these vegetables be consumed per week.

Some scientific studies suggest that consuming this food can reduce the risk of several types of cancer, especially stomach, lung, colon and breast cancer.

2. Tomato sauce

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants for the body and one that has the most proven effect in preventing cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Lycopene is found in greater quantities in tomato sauce, with 55.45 mg of lycopene per 100 grams, unlike raw tomatoes, which have 9.27 mg, and tomato juice, which has 10.77 mg of lycopene, in addition to the fact that the absorption of lycopene is greater when the tomato is cooked.

Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives foods such as tomatoes, guava, watermelon, persimmon, papaya, pumpkin and red pepper their red color. Check out other benefits of tomatoes.

3. Beets and purple vegetables

Purple, red, pink or blue vegetables are rich in anthocyanins, substances that also act as antioxidants and protect the DNA of cells against changes, in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory action and prebiotic effects on the body.

These substances are present in foods such as red cabbage, red onion, eggplant, radish, beetroot, as well as fruits such as açaí, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, grapes and plums.

4. Brazil nut

Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a nutrient that acts as an anti-inflammatory and stimulant of the immune system, participating in several processes that improve cell function and energy production in the body. In addition, this mineral has an antioxidant effect on the body, preventing the formation of free radicals.

In addition to breast cancer, selenium helps prevent liver, prostate and bladder cancer, and is also present in foods such as meat, poultry, broccoli, onion, garlic, cucumber, cabbage and seafood.

5. Green tea

Green tea is rich in phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids and catechins, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, stimulating cell apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cells that present some alteration in their functioning.

In addition, catechins also appear to reduce the proliferation of blood vessels, reducing tumor growth and preventing several types of cancer, especially prostate, gastrointestinal, breast, lung, ovarian and bladder cancer.

Catechins are also present in green tea and white tea, which are derived from the same plant as green tea, Camellia sinensis . See other properties of green tea and how to prepare it .

6. Soybeans

Soy and its derivatives, such as tofu and soy drink, are rich in substances called phytoestrogens, which are similar to estrogen, a hormone naturally produced by women from adolescence onwards.

Thus, phytoestrogens compete with the body’s hormones, resulting in better hormonal balance and preventing the development of cancer cells. An important tip to obtain these benefits is to prefer the consumption of organic soy, which is produced without pesticides and food additives.

However, it is important to mention that people who are at high risk of breast cancer or developing estrogen-dependent tumors should avoid foods rich in phytoestrogens, as some studies suggest that the consumption of this type of food can stimulate the development of this type of tumor in people at risk.

7. Saltwater fish

Saltwater fish, such as tuna, sardines and salmon, are rich in omega-3, a healthy fat that acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body. In addition, fish also contain vitamin D, which is linked to better hormone regulation and prevention of breast, colon and rectal cancer.

8. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk rich in probiotic bacteria and yeasts that promote intestinal health, increase immunity and help prevent the spread of cancer cells, slowing the growth of tumors and preventing different types of cancer, such as stomach and breast cancer.

Probiotics are also found in plain yogurt, kombucha, fermented milk, fermented soy products, and supplements.