Food against cancer

According to several studies carried out, it is estimated that around 30% of human cancers are due to bad eating habits, while 60% of the total could be reduced or minimized by consuming certain foods that contain anti-cancer substances, mainly antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that slow or prevent the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation reactions, inherent in the functioning of any organism, produce free radicals that damage cell structures in the long run. The effects of these damages can be multiple, but some of them can lead to cancer.

Let's see which foods contain the most antioxidants and why we should consume them *:

* Take this list as merely informative. This is not a therapy or a cure, but information on the latest discoveries about natural anticancer agents.

1. Dark green leafy vegetables: spinach, kale, chard ...

These vegetables contain lutein, a beneficial antioxidant in the fight against cancer, and kale also contains indole-3-carbinol, an inhibitor of cancer cell growth.

2. Red or orange vegetables and fruits (tomatoes, purple grapes, apricots etc)

They contain lycopene, a pigment that gives the characteristic color to tomatoes as well as being a powerful antioxidant, protecting our cells from oxidative stress. It is effective in reducing the risk of lung, prostate and digestive cancer. Eating tomatoes in salad, in gazpacho or as a sauce for pasta is the best and simplest way to consume a large amount of lycopene.

3. From the cauliflower family:

Cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts ... contain powerful antioxidants and broccoli has diindolylmethane, which is beneficial in the fight not only against cancer, but also against infections caused by viruses or bacteria as it strengthens the immune response.

4. Red wine:

Without this serving to acquire "alcoholic" habits, the wine contains resveratrol, a product that the grape generates to defend itself against the attacks of fungi. In 2006 work began with this antioxidant - although it is not strictly such - and it was observed that it extended the life of various types of invertebrates. Although at first it was considered a "long life", it is currently known that it has practically no effects on healthy higher vertebrates. Resveratrol is also found in walnuts and peanuts, so there are versions of it for all audiences. A correct dose of resveratrol is considered to be one glass of wine per day for women and two for men, which can also be supplemented by black grape must.

5. Green tea:

Green tea contains polyphenols, compounds that ferment in our digestive system and have a beneficial influence on the circulatory system and cancer.

6. The nuts:

If you have noticed in the previous sections, walnuts often appear. Well, it is one of the healthiest and most beneficial nuts for our body. Nutritionists say that eating a handful of walnuts after a copious meal practically erases from our body the bad consequences that the first one would have left on it. It is also healthy to eat almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios because they contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant (also present in extra virgin oil and sunflower oil, among others) with direct effects on cancer cells.

7. Garlic:

Garlic can be said to be a "broad spectrum" remedy. It has been shown to have positive effects in treating certain types of cancer, as well as fighting certain infections and lowering blood pressure. When garlic cloves are crushed or crushed, allicin is formed, a kind of natural antibiotic that is unfortunately lost when cooked.

8. Citrus:

Due to its high content of vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant - in our diet we must include mandarins, oranges and lemons. But it is not only citrus fruits that contain large amounts of vitamin C. Strawberries, parsley or green pepper outnumber them by many bodies. Even potatoes, cooked whole, are an excellent source of vitamin C.

So the question is, should I buy antioxidants at health food stores or pharmacies or go shopping for products like juices with antioxidants incorporated?

No way. First of all, there are few studies that indicate the effects of taking antioxidants in large quantities. There is a serious one that I know of which indicated that taking resveratrol in large amounts had detrimental effects on the kidney. You have to eat healthy and that is enough to take the necessary antioxidants. Products to which antioxidants have been added are usually useless and harmless... except for the price, that really hurts.

The best you can do to fight against cancer is to eat lot of vegetables and fruits, avoid over weight and make a lot of exercise. Any of the substances seen before won't cure you from cancer, but a healthy life, including most of them in your diet,  for sure will prevent the disease. At least the cancer that comes from the food itself.