Food plays an important role in maintaining good health. A balanced, nutritious diet can affect both your physical and mental health. Healthy eating habits may help keep dangerous diseases at bay, such as cancer and heart disease, as well as enhance your overall well-being.
The importance of diet in preventing cancer is increasingly recognized. Several factors are responsible for the
incidence of many types of cancer - lifestyle, environment, and genetics. A healthy diet contributes to maintaining good general health and helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. In addition, a poor diet increases the risk of many cancers including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, as well as gastric ulcers and osteoporosis.
Here are some foods that you can incorporate into your diet
Carrots
Studies show that eating carrots may reduce the risk of stomach cancer by up to 26%. Some studies have shown that incorporating carrots in your diet as a snack or a side dish (Salads) a few times a week can potentially reduce your risk of cancer.
Broccoli
Some studies have found that higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli may be associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer and colon cancer. Incorporating broccoli in a few meals per week may have cancer-fighting properties. It also contains a compound called Sulforaphane, which has been shown to reduce tumor size and cause tumor cell death in animal and test-tube studies.
Olive Oil
Several studies have shown that higher consumption of olive oil may be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. We all know about the various health benefits of Olive Oil. Studies have also shown that people who had great consumption of olive oil have a lower risk of developing breast cancer & cancer of the digestive system compared to people who had low intake.
Citrus Fruits
Some studies have shown that a greater intake of citrus fruits leads to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. Studies have shown that including citrus fruits in your diet a few times a week may lead to a reduced risk of certain cancer types. Some citrus fruits that you can add to your diet are oranges, lemons, grapefruits, limes, etc.
Remember that the above studies have shown an association between foods and cancer. They don’t account for other factors that may play a role. More studies are needed.
Amruta Pachpore has completed her Masters in English Literature after graduating with BA Hons English. She has studied and interested in poetry, health & lifestyle.