Every couple of months, a new food is in the news for its cancer-fighting properties. One day it'll be broccoli. Then Green Tea, Garlic, or Berries... These stories are attracting attention for obvious reasons. Cancer is a disease that impacts millions of people around the world, and the notion that a simple food could provide some kind of protection is attractive. But how much is true of this?
Does food cause cancer?
Cancer is a complex disease. It's not caused by one meal or one food. However, in many years of research, it has been shown that food choices can impact cancer risk. People who eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and other minimally processed foods are at a lower risk for some cancers. These foods can't cure anything! It simply means that these can help protect our health in the long run.
Why is broccoli so much in the spotlight?
Not many people would be on the list of people who love broccoli, but that doesn't appear to be the issue that is driving researchers back to this plant. Apart from the other cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts), it also contains naturally occurring compounds that are investigated for their effects on the body's ability to metabolize potentially harmful substances. A basic soup or stir-fry will provide good nourishment.
Why are berries so popular?
Berries are tiny, but they're chock-full of naturally occurring plant compounds! Some of the antioxidants in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries may protect the body from free radicals, which are molecules that can damage the body in everyday life. Other brightly colored fruits, such as pomegranates, grapes, and citrus fruits, offer many of the same benefits.
What's special about Tomatoes?
Lycopene is the red coloring in tomatoes. Researchers have studied lycopene and its potential relationship with cancer for many years, particularly with prostate cancer. There is no solid conclusion for any one food; however, tomatoes are one of the foods that have been studied the most in this category. Cooked tomatoes have more lycopene that can be absorbed than raw tomatoes. That is why tomato curries, soup,s and tomato sauces are frequently mentioned in nutrition studies.
Dont overlook the basics
Fiber helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly: Beans, lentils, oats, fruit, and vegetables are all good sources of fiber. It is consistently associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer to eat more fiber. The natural compounds in garlic and onions continue to be studied.
Avoid getting stuck on one food item
The most common error is seeking out one product that offers immunity to cancer. That's not how health works. Eating more berries won't undo the effects of years of smoking. No, broccoli is no substitute for exercise. Green tea cannot make up for a poor overall diet.
The key is the consistency of your decisions, made one day at a time. A plate filled with a variety of plant foods, combined with healthy lifestyle habits, is likely to do far more than any so-called superfood ever could.