10 Great Anti-Carginogens - Cancer Prevention
A couple of weeks ago we discussed cancer causing agents,
known as carcinogens, which can be found in certain foods. This week we’re
looking at anti-carcinogens in food which have a positive, reversing effect
and help to prevent cancer.
10 Anti Carcinogenic
Foods
Salmon
Salmon is full of goodness and is a rich source of omega-3;
a fatty acid that most Western diets lack but is believed to be an
anti-carcinogen. It also contains Astanxanthin, a powerful antioxidant which
helps to rid your system of free radicals. When buying Salmon (or any fish for
that matter), be aware of its origin - farmed fish can contain high levels of carcinogenic
PCB’s and other harmful chemicals.
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms add a wonderful meaty flavour to a meal and
are rich in selenium; a mineral known for its cancer prevention capabilities. It
also contains beta-glucans which studies have shown help to fight skin, breast
and lung cancer through an increase in immunity.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are as versatile as their white equivalents
and far more nutritious. Ever wondered why sweet potatoes are orange? Well
that’s because of the highly concentrated levels of beta-carotene; a great
cancer fighting agent. Sweet potatoes are also rich in Vitamin C, giving your
immune system an always welcome boost.
Brussels sprouts
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Whether you love them or you hate them, Brussels sprouts are
one of the best foods to include in an anti-cancer diet. As well as having a
very low calorie count, they directly affect the metabolism of carcinogens and
reduce the amount of damage that free radicals do to your body.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil Nuts are a great snack; a small quantity provides you
with extra energy, protein and ‘good’ fats. Studies show that as nature’s best
dietary source of selenium, they help to prevent colorectal, lung and prostate
cancer.
Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the best health foods and have the
largest antioxidant capacity of any fruits and berries. The antioxidants and
vitamins that they contain include Ellagic acid, Anthocyanins, vitamin E, and vitamin
C.
Garlic
A lot of food flavourings can be carcinogenic, such as salt
and spices, but this is not the case with garlic which has the opposite effect.
Allicin is released from garlic when crushed or chopped which creates its
renowned smell, but has also been shown to prevent cancer. To get the most
Allicin allow freshly crushed or chopped garlic to sit for 10 minutes prior to
cooking.
Green Tea
You probably know Green Tea best for its links to weight loss;
however the benefits are far greater than this. It is rich in anti-oxidants
including Catechins which have been shown to be extremely effective at
protecting cells from damage by free radicals. It also actively prevents certain
activities within the body which produce carcinogens such as nitrification and
creation of the Urokinase enzyme.
Kale
Kale has been surrounded by much popularity in health
circles over recent years and for good reason; the benefits of eating kale are
wide and varied. It contains a high concentration of anti-cancer nutrients and
is rich with vitamin C and beta-carotene. Kale contains the most anti-oxidants
of any vegetable and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Horseradish
Horseradish is perfect for sharpening the taste of dull
meals like salad and vegetable dishes. It contains a large amount of Glucosinolates
which boost the liver’s ability to detoxify carcinogens and also suppress the
growth of cancerous tumours.
These are just 10 of the best anti-carcinogenic foods, there
are plenty more that you can use to make up extra healthy meals. If you missed
last week’s post on carcinogens, then read it now here.