Cancer Symptoms & Treatment: 5 Foods That Lowers Cancer Risk

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Feb 09, 2016 04:30 AM EST

Diet is an important factor to good health and, while there are no particular foods that can stop cancer diseases altogether, some food choices are more beneficial than others. Below is a list of foods that can help lower cancer risks:

1) Milk and yogurt

These foods contain nutrients like calcium and vitamin D that were found to have helped colon cancer patients in a study published in the National Institutes of Health. Patients over 51-years-old are encouraged to increase their calcium intake from 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg per day to help the body build and replenish cells.

1) Coffee or Tea

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed the colon cancer patients who regularly drank coffee exhibited lowered cancer death risk. The coffee also apparently aided in the remission of the disease.

Another study also published in the National Institutes of Health showed that regular coffee or tea drinkers were able to cope with their mouth and throat cancer better. The risk of dying from this disease was also 49 percent lower than those who didn't drink coffee or tea.

3) Mediterranean food

Mediterranean dishes are highly recommended for those suffering from cancer or have a history of the disease in the family. A typical Mediterranean menu is mostly filled with plant-based foods and makes use of fewer red meat.

Patients subjected to the Mediterranean diet in a study published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal showed significant reduction in their risks for developing or aggravating colon, prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers. Ideally, enjoy at least two to four servings of a Mediterranean dishes per week to improve one's health.

4) Tomato-based dishes

The American Institute for Cancer Research cited that tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene that can help repair defective cells. It has been proven to work best in reducing prostate cancer risks. Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that tomato consumption benefited those who suffer from cancerous conditions found in the pancreas, colon and rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast and cervix.

5) Cruciferous vegetables

These vegetables belong to the cabbage family and may also include brocolli, kale, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts. Many regard these foods as superfoods because of its nutritious content. However, the most important compound in a cruciferous vegetable is the isothiocyanates. It works to fight off carcinogens and either counteracts with the toxins or stops these from spreading in the body, per Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine.

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