As we live longer, the likelihood of developing some type of cancer also increases. While there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of developing cancer, these foods may help lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Better to be safe than sorry, right?
1. Eat soy products
Soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, contain isoflavones like genistein which have been linked to cancer prevention. Several research studies have shown a relationship between soy-rich diets and lowered risk of cancer. To increase your soy intake, try this tofu scramble.
2. Don’t eat processed meats
In 2015, the World Health Organization announced that processed meats, which includes hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats, were considered carcinogens, or substances that cause cancer. While bacon is delicious, you should perhaps eat less of it and lower your risk of cancer. Maybe it’s time to turn to anchovies, what this author deems “bacon of the sea” for our breakfast needs.
3. Eat vegetables
If you listened to your parents when they told you to eat broccoli, you’re probably in good shape. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and kale, have compounds — indoles and isothiocyanates — that have been found to inhibit cancer development in rodents.
4. Don’t eat peanuts
Peanuts that were grown and stored in certain conditions are a major source of aflatoxins, a type of toxin associated with cancer. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat peanut butter anymore — just make sure you toss away any peanuts that look the slightest bit moldy.
5. Drink tea
If you don’t already drink tea, it’s time to start now. Tea is full of biological substances called polyphenols that have been shown to slow down tumor cell growth and protect your DNA. Here’s how to brew the perfect cup of tea every time.
There’s no food that magically gets rid of cancer, but it’s probably safe to avoid foods that have been linked to cancer and eat a bit more of the ones that have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.