fazTimes media: In today's busy world, where junk food often takes precedence over healthy meals, it's easy to underestimate how our diet affects our health over time. Even though many diseases are linked to bad eating habits, cancer is still one of the most dangerous ones. The World Health Organization says that cancer killed 9.6 million people in 2018. This makes it the second most common cause of death in the world.

Even though no single food can protect against cancer, a well-balanced diet full of foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds can greatly lower the chance of getting it. This is also good for our immune systems and general health because many of these foods improve gut health.

Here are some simple, cheap, and effective foods that you should eat every day because they help your gut system and lower your risk of cancer.

Broccoli is an important food for fighting cancer.

Many studies have been done on broccoli to see if it can help prevent cancer. It is in the same family as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, which are called cruciferous vegetables. The real star of broccoli is sulforaphane, a naturally occurring chemical that has shown promise in fighting cancer cells.

Books and articles that were released in Cancer Prevention Studies have shown that sulforaphane can reduce the number and growth of cancer cells, especially those linked to colorectal and breast cancer. Also, the glucosinolates in broccoli break down into chemicals that stop cancer from starting in its early stages.

In addition to protecting against cancer, broccoli's high fiber content helps the intestines move and cleans out the stomach.

Tip: Broccoli keeps more of its benefits when it is lightly steamed instead of boiled.

Berries are extremely healthy and full antioxidants.

No matter if you like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries, you should eat them. Berries have powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. A study from 2009 found that blueberry extract slowed the growth of colon cancer cells by 7%. Other studies suggest that eating berries regularly may help keep you from getting colon, esophageal, and mouth cancers.

Berries have a lot of fiber and natural prebiotics, which help keep the bacteria in your gut in balance.

Tip: Add a handful of berries to your yogurt or morning oats for a boost that is good for your gut and fights cancer.

Carrots: Bright Color, Strong Health Benefits

Carrots are good for your eyes and can also help keep you from getting cancer. There is a type of carotenoid called beta-carotene that gives it its bright orange color. It is an antioxidant that protects the body from toxins.

A 2014 meta-analysis found that eating carrots every day may cut the chance of getting prostate cancer by up to 18%. Another study found links to lower risks of getting breast, lung, and stomach cancer.

Carrots are also great for your digestive system because they have a lot of insoluble fiber, which makes stools bulky and keeps you from getting constipated.

Tip: To keep the nutrients in carrot sticks, eat them raw as a snack or put them in stews and soups.

Whole grains are good for you and good for your gut.

When you compare whole grains to processed grains, you can see that whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, barley, and oats keep all of their parts, including the fiber-rich bran. Because of this, they are great for keeping your digestive system healthy and lowering your risk of cancer, especially in your gut.

A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who ate at least three servings of whole grains every day had a much lower chance of colorectal cancer.

Fiber from whole grains helps keep your bowels regular and feeds good gut bacteria, which reduces inflammation and harmful substances in the digestive system.

Tip: Instead of white rice and refined flour, use whole-grain flour and rice every day.

Olive oil: liquid gold that fights cancer

A big part of the Mediterranean diet is olive oil, especially extra-virgin olive oil. This is because it is full of monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, and flavonoids, which are all anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. A study from 2011 found that people who regularly ate olive oil had a lower chance of getting breast and intestinal cancer. Polyphenols in olive oil are especially good at stopping oxidative stress, which is a major cause of cancer and cell damage.

Oil from olives also helps digestion by increasing bile flow and easing the signs of acid reflux.

Tip: Put extra-virgin olive oil on salads, roast veggies, or make hummus or other dips with it.

Garlic: The Strong Protector

This everyday kitchen item has been used in traditional treatment for a long time. Allicin is a sulfur chemical that is found in garlic that has been shown to help fight cancer. More than one study has shown that eating garlic can lower the chance of getting colon, prostate, and stomach cancer.

As a natural prebiotic, garlic also feeds good bacteria and helps keep the walls of your gut healthy.

Tip: Crush fresh garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before cooking to bring out the enzymes that are good for you.

To stop, drink green tea.

Due to its high epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) content, green tea is a powerful antioxidant drink that may help prevent liver, breast, and prostate cancer, among others. It also helps digestion by reducing gas, speeding up the metabolism, and soothing the gut.

As a pro tip, drink a warm mug of green tea instead of coffee or chai once a day.

Putting it all together: a local point of view

Foods that can help prevent cancer, like lentils, fresh vegetables, turmeric, ginger, fermented foods, and homemade pickles, are already common in many Indian households. Moderation and careful choice are very important. Eating these foods as part of a well-balanced, home-cooked meal plan can help you lose weight, improve your stomach, and greatly lower your risk of getting cancer.

In the fight against cancer, a healthy diet works best when combined with healthy habits like giving up tobacco, eating less red and processed meat, working out often, and drinking lots of water.

Finally, some words

The first thing you can do to improve your health is to eat well. Broccoli, berries, carrots, whole grains, and olive oil are all natural, nutrient-dense foods that can lower your risk of cancer. They can also help your immune system and gut health.

You decide every day what to eat, even though your genes and the surroundings do play a role. A few small changes can pay off in the long run.

Next time you're in the kitchen or a shopping store, remember that you're not just getting food for yourself. You are making your future possible.

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