Cancer is rarely associated with food. Cancer is considered so deadly that people diagnosed with it just rush to hospitals. But, World Cancer Research and American Institute for Cancer Research have stated that around 30 percent of all cancers can be prevented with lifestyle changes.

Research study promulgated in the journal Nutrition has estimated that many cancer types including prostate, bowel, and breast cancer can be reduced up to 70 percent and lung cancer can be cut by up to 50 percent if some specific products are included in diet.

In a recent development, scientists of Oregon State University found a nutrient named as sulforaphane. It is found in cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and damages prostate tumours without affecting healthy cells.

All these studies offer a fresh hope for scientists, doctors and patients.

Though diet or nutrition is not the foolproof remedy to fight cancer, whatever you eat during, before and after treatment leaves a significant impact on the outcome. When we are properly nourished, our immune system can destroy cancer cells. An unhealthy and under-nourished immune system can’t do so.

So, it’s imperative to know how dietary changes can turn the odds in favour.

Berries

Raspberries and strawberries are rich in ellagic acid. This acid slows down tumour growth and detoxifies body from cancer-causing substances. Blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries have antioxidants which prevent the linkage of carcinogens to DNA and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

Mushrooms

This is a fact that Japanese growers who are involved in production of mushrooms are 50 percent less prone to develop stomach cancer as compared to their non-mushroom counterparts.

This is because mushrooms are rich in lentinan which is known to stimulate system and slows down slows down the growth of tumour.

Button mushrooms contain substances that are known to block the stimulation of oestrogen in body. Researchers from Australia recently conducted a study which revealed that Chinese women who used to consume 4g of button mushrooms daily reduced the risk of breast cancer by around 45 percent.

Magical Beans

Beans, also known as legumes, are rich in phytic acid, saponins, and protease inhibitors. All these products play a significant role in cancer protection.

Hot Chocolate

Good quality chocolates containing more than 70 percent of cocoa have been linked to reduce cancer risk. They are rich in antioxidant called procyanidin.

Though the impact of chocolates on cancer is still not established fully, scientists have noticed that molecules found in hot chocolate slow down the growth of breast cancer. The most effective way of getting procyanidin  is to have chocolate drinks.

Flaxseeds

A recent study has suggested that flaxseeds have a positive role in protecting prostate cancer, one of the common cancers in men in UK.

Men who took around 3 tbsps of flaxseeds daily for around 30 days reduced the proliferation of cancer cells substantially compared to patients who didn’t have flaxseeds.

The effective way to consume it is to grind seeds in form of powder.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes… ultra common kitchen ingredient! In all forms be it  ketchup, juice, or vegetable…tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene. It is because of this substance only that they are red in colour.

Various studies have been done to show that lycopene can protect lung, prostate and breast cancer. And… lycopene is released more in cooked tomatoes as compared to uncooked ones.

Onions

Allium family contains onion, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives.

All these products are rich in diallyl sulphide and quercetin .These products help in preventing the progression of cancers related to stomach, bowel, laryngeal and oesophagus. The catch is- the more finely you chop onions, the better compounds you get. Garlic contains antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti fungal products which can destruct cancer cells and prevent the formation of new tumours. The best way is to eat onions in raw form.

Fish

Fishes such as sardines, salmon, trout, mackerel, herring, pilchards, and anchovies  are very rich in  EPA and DPA.  Docosahexaenoic acid (DPA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two important types of omega 3 fatty acids. These are supposed to have anti-cancer properties. Eating oily fish one or two times in a week  will suffice.

Wine

Red wine is rich in resveratrol which has been to reduce cancer risks. But not all wines are equal in the levels of this antioxidants .Wines which are prepared in South-West region of France are effective in fighting cancer.

Nuts

Nuts are rich in vitamin E and beta carotene.Hazelnuts is very rich in ellagic acid the role of which has been discussed earlier also.

Cabbages

Cabbage family mainly includes broccoli, sprouts, turnips, radish, and cauliflower. These products are rich in sulforaphane which may make cancerous cells to damage themselves.

Broccoli and sprouted broccoli contain comparatively higher levels of sulphoraphane compared to fully grown broccoli.

Tea

Green tea has protective effects for cancer. It inhibits growth of tumour and triggers destruction of cancer cells.

Soya

Soya is commonly present in soya milk, tofu, soya beans etc. It is rich in phytoestrogens which is a sex hormone stimulated by our body.

A study has shown that women in Asia are less prone to develop breast cancer compared to women of western countries because their intake of soya is higher.

Though there is some confusion regarding the impact of soya on breast cancer, Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study shown that women consuming more soya have 32 percent less risk of breast cancer.