10 Delicious Anti-Cancer Foods You Must Not Overlook

4. Flaxseed oil

Flaxseed oil is one of the richest and healthiest sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids you can find. And omega-3s can help you prevent the expression of genes that promote cancer, as well as reduce inflammation in your body (which in turn contributes to cancer metastasis). [2]

Besides flaxseed oil, you can also consume flaxseed in its original seed form. Simply sprinkle the seeds (or the oil) over your morning yoghurt, afternoon sandwich and/or dinner rice for your daily dose of omega-3. Pumpkin seeds too are rich in omega-3. Eat these seeds raw if you can, so that the essential fatty acids you need can be protected by the naturally occurring vitamin E in the seeds. [2]

5. Garlic

Doesn’t sound so appetizing? The anti-cancer properties of garlic are too important to be left out of this list. Fortunately, there are ways to make garlic tasty.

Research has found that garlic contains over 200 biologically active compounds (e.g. cysteine, glutathione and sulfur-containing-amino-acids) that can give you wonderful protection against cancer as well as metastases. In fact, a large study involving more than 41,000 women found that garlic was the most protective type of “vegetable” when it comes to colon cancer. [2]

Garlic is best eaten freshly chopped and raw, if you wish to enjoy its full benefits. But if the taste and smell of raw garlic is too pungent for you, you can make it more palatable by having it lightly stir-fried with your vegetables, or boiled in your soups. Homemade garlic spread (by mixing your garlic with butter) is another tasty option you can consider.

6. Mushrooms

Many people are fans of mushrooms. If you are a fan yourself, you will be glad to hear how mushrooms can protect you from cancer. Specifically, mushrooms like the maitake, reishi (Ganoderma) and shiitake have been used by the Chinese and Japanese for ages to improve immunity as well as prevent and deal with cancer. [2]

Some researchers have found that the anti-tumor properties of maitake can be obtained by ingesting the mushroom (which contains active anti-cancer beta-D-glucans). For other mushrooms like the shiitake, the active anti-cancer compounds (eg lentinan) may have to be injected into your blood stream to be potent. Having said that, eating shiitake (besides maitake) will still be beneficial to you, as it can power up your immune system and strengthen your ability to fight against infections and diseases. [1]

7. Propolis

Produced by bees to protect themselves and their hives against infections (bacterial, fungal and viral), propolis comprises of a mixture of bee secretions (enzymes) with resin from leaves, buds and tree barks. This substance is found to be rich in amino acids, bioflavonoids and vitamins, and it can bring you immunity-promoting and cancer-preventing benefits. [3]

However, if you have an allergy to bee products, then bee propolis is not for you. This bee product should not be given to children below 1 year old, as well as those with a history of kidney stones. [1]

Propolis can be bitter to taste, but fortunately they can be found in the form of capsules. Alternatively, you can mix them with honey for a sweeter and more pleasant taste.

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