Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, with millions of people dying every year from all types of cancer. The most commonly reported cases are breast and cervical cancer in women, followed by prostate and lung cancer in men.
According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), many factors are increasing the risk of cancer.
These include tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Some chronic infections may also increase the risk of cancer.
Health experts say that to prevent cancer, it is important that we all pay special attention to maintaining proper lifestyle and diet. Anti-cancer and anti-oxidants are found in some food items, so can cancer be prevented by improving diet?
What do the researchers say?
Experts from Harvard TH Chen School found in the study that following a healthy and nutritious dietary pattern can reduce the risk of cancer by 10-20%. For this, along with staying away from alcohol and smoking, the intake of added sugar and fast-junk foods should be reduced. These things can increase inflammation in the body, due to which the risk of many other serious health problems including cancer has been seen.
Health benefits can also be obtained by including fruits and vegetables with antioxidant and anticancer properties in the diet.
What should be eaten to avoid cancer?
Experts from Harvard School said, that including whole grains, green vegetables, seasonal fruits, and legumes in the diet can keep your health healthy and protect you from serious health problems like cancer. Studies have found that eating whole grains protects against colorectal cancer and including dietary fiber-rich foods in the diet can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It also prevents weight gain, which can help prevent cancer.
Green tea has antioxidant effects
Green tea is considered beneficial for overall health. Its powerful antioxidant and anti-cancer properties are beneficial in reducing the risks of liver, breast, pancreatic, lung, esophageal, and skin cancers. Researchers said epigallocatechin-3 gallate found in green tea activates urokinase, an enzyme important for cancer development. If green tea is consumed in moderate quantities, it can help in reducing the risk of developing cancer.
Benefits of Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have cancer risk-reducing properties. The components present in these vegetables can protect you from free radicals that damage the DNA of your cells. They may also protect you from cancer-causing chemicals and help slow tumor growth.
(PC: Freepik)
