There's plenty of advice. This polyphenol Anti-cancer benefits of a balanced diet a protein called glucose transporter balanceed GLUT2 benefts, which plays a role Anti-cancer benefits of a balanced diet beneftis cell growth in certain Obesity and weight-related comorbidities of cancer. For example, one study examined the relationship between the intake of bean fiber and the risk of breast cancer. Get practical tips on healthy cooking on a budget, and where to find more support. According to Cancer Research UKsome early studies, mostly in animals, have suggested that some cancer cells do not use ketones for energy.

Anti-cancer benefits of a balanced diet -

Thus, more studies are needed. Summary Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to cause tumor cell death and reduce tumor size in test-tube and animal studies.

A higher intake of cruciferous vegetables may also be associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Several studies have found that eating more carrots is linked to a decreased risk of certain types of cancer.

One study analyzed the diets of 1, participants with and without lung cancer. It found that current smokers who did not eat carrots were three times as likely to develop lung cancer, compared to those who ate carrots more than once per week 6.

Try incorporating carrots into your diet as a healthy snack or delicious side dish just a few times per week to increase your intake and potentially reduce your risk of cancer. Summary Some studies have found an association between carrot consumption and a decreased risk of prostate, lung and stomach cancer.

Beans are high in fiber, which some studies have found may help protect against colorectal cancer 7 , 8 , 9. One study followed 1, people with a history of colorectal tumors, and found that those who consumed more cooked, dried beans tended to have a decreased risk of tumor recurrence According to these results, eating a few servings of beans each week may increase your fiber intake and help lower the risk of developing cancer.

However, the current research is limited to animal studies and studies that show association but not causation. More studies are needed to examine this in humans, specifically. Summary Beans are high in fiber, which may be protective against colorectal cancer.

Human and animal studies have found that a higher intake of beans could reduce the risk of colorectal tumors and colon cancer. Berries are high in anthocyanins, plant pigments that have antioxidant properties and may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer.

Another small study gave freeze-dried black raspberries to patients with oral cancer and showed that it decreased levels of certain markers associated with cancer progression Similarly, another animal study showed that giving rats a berry extract was found to inhibit several biomarkers of cancer Based on these findings, including a serving or two of berries in your diet each day may help inhibit the development of cancer.

Keep in mind that these are animal and observational studies looking at the effects of a concentrated dose of berry extract, and more human research is needed.

Summary Some test-tube and animal studies have found that the compounds in berries may decrease the growth and spread of certain types of cancer. Cinnamon is well-known for its health benefits, including its ability to reduce blood sugar and ease inflammation 16 , In addition, some test-tube and animal studies have found that cinnamon may help block the spread of cancer cells.

A test-tube study found that cinnamon extract was able to decrease the spread of cancer cells and induce their death Another test-tube study showed that cinnamon essential oil suppressed the growth of head and neck cancer cells, and also significantly reduced tumor size An animal study also showed that cinnamon extract induced cell death in tumor cells, and also decreased how much tumors grew and spread However, more studies are needed to understand how cinnamon may affect cancer development in humans.

Summary Test-tube and animal studies have found that cinnamon extract may have anticancer properties and may help decrease the growth and spread of tumors. More research in humans is needed. Research has found that eating nuts may be linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

For instance, a study looked at the diets of 19, people and found that eating a greater amount of nuts was associated with a decreased risk of dying from cancer Another study followed 30, participants for up to 30 years and found that eating nuts regularly was associated with a decreased risk of colorectal, pancreatic and endometrial cancers For example, Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which may help protect against lung cancer in those with a low selenium status These results suggest that adding a serving of nuts to your diet each day may reduce your risk of developing cancer in the future.

Still, more studies in humans are needed to determine whether nuts are responsible for this association, or whether other factors are involved. Summary Some studies have found that an increased intake of nuts may decrease the risk of cancer.

Research shows that some specific types like Brazil nuts and walnuts may also be linked to a lower risk of cancer. Several studies have even found that a higher intake of olive oil may help protect against cancer. One massive review made up of 19 studies showed that people who consumed the greatest amount of olive oil had a lower risk of developing breast cancer and cancer of the digestive system than those with the lowest intake Another study looked at the cancer rates in 28 countries around the world and found that areas with a higher intake of olive oil had decreased rates of colorectal cancer Swapping out other oils in your diet for olive oil is a simple way to take advantage of its health benefits.

You can drizzle it over salads and cooked vegetables, or try using it in your marinades for meat, fish or poultry. Though these studies show that there may be an association between olive oil intake and cancer, there are likely other factors involved as well.

More studies are needed to look at the direct effects of olive oil on cancer in people. Summary Several studies have shown that a higher intake of olive oil may be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

Turmeric is a spice well-known for its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, its active ingredient, is a chemical with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even anticancer effects.

One study looked at the effects of curcumin on 44 patients with lesions in the colon that could have become cancerous. In a test-tube study, curcumin was also found to decrease the spread of colon cancer cells by targeting a specific enzyme related to cancer growth Another test-tube study showed that curcumin helped kill off head and neck cancer cells Curcumin has also been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of lung, breast and prostate cancer cells in other test-tube studies 30 , 31 , Use it as a ground spice to add flavor to foods, and pair it with black pepper to help boost its absorption.

Summary Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that has been shown to reduce the growth of many types of cancer and lesions in test-tube and human studies. Eating citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges has been associated with a lower risk of cancer in some studies. One large study found that participants who ate a higher amount of citrus fruits had a lower risk of developing cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tracts A review looking at nine studies also found that a greater intake of citrus fruits was linked to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer These studies suggest that including a few servings of citrus fruits in your diet each week may lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

More studies are needed on how citrus fruits specifically affect cancer development. Summary Studies have found that a higher intake of citrus fruits could decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including pancreatic and stomach cancers, along with cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tracts.

Some research has shown that it may even help decrease cancer growth and help kill off cancer cells. In one study, 32 women with breast cancer received either a flaxseed muffin daily or a placebo for over a month.

At the end of the study, the flaxseed group had decreased levels of specific markers that measure tumor growth, as well as an increase in cancer cell death In another study, men with prostate cancer were treated with flaxseed, which was found to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells Flaxseed is high in fiber, which other studies have found to be protective against colorectal cancer 7 , 8 , 9.

Try adding one tablespoon 10 grams of ground flaxseed into your diet each day by mixing it into smoothies, sprinkling it over cereal and yogurt, or adding it to your favorite baked goods.

Summary Some studies have found that flaxseed may reduce cancer growth in breast and prostate cancers. It is also high in fiber, which may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. Lycopene is a compound found in tomatoes that is responsible for its vibrant red color as well as its anticancer properties.

Several studies have found that an increased intake of lycopene and tomatoes could lead to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. A review of 17 studies also found that a higher intake of raw tomatoes, cooked tomatoes and lycopene were all associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer Another study of 47, people found that a greater intake of tomato sauce, in particular, was linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer To help increase your intake, include a serving or two of tomatoes in your diet each day by adding them to sandwiches, salads, sauces or pasta dishes.

Summary Some studies have found that a higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, more studies are needed.

The active component in garlic is allicin, a compound that has been shown to kill off cancer cells in multiple test-tube studies 40 , 41 , Several studies have found an association between garlic intake and a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

One study of , participants found that those who ate lots of Allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions, leeks and shallots, had a lower risk of stomach cancer than those who rarely consumed them A study of men showed that a higher intake of garlic was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer Another study found that participants who ate lots of garlic, as well as fruit, deep yellow vegetables, dark green vegetables and onions, were less likely to develop colorectal tumors.

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Outreach Programs Outreach Programs Outreach Programs Home Project ECHO Observer Programs Comparative Effectiveness Training CERTaIN. August Try these foods to help lower your cancer risk. Next Article. August : 5 foods that help lower your cancer risk. Eat berries that are fresh, frozen or dried.

Serving Size: ½ cup Toss some raspberries in with your morning yogurt or cereal. Make a low-fat strawberry smoothie for a quick, healthy snack. Bake some delicious oatmeal blueberry muffins for a meal-on-the-go.

Serving Size: About 15 grapes Grab a handful as a snack or add to a salad. Mix them in with your favorite, low-fat chicken salad recipe. Freeze as a cool treat for a hot day. Grapes are great in hot dishes too. Serving Size: ½ cup Puree steamed broccoli, avocado, garlic, non-fat milk and low-fat sour cream for a refreshing cold soup.

Add your favorite spices to steamed broccoli for a great side dish. Cure the afternoon munchies with raw broccoli and fat-free ranch dressing Tomatoes The tomato gets its classic red hue from an antioxidant called lycopene.

Make savory sauce to serve on whole-wheat pasta. Whole grains Grocery store shelves are filled with grains and grain products. Include brown rice, wild rice and whole wheat bread and pasta in your diet. Try quinoa.

Of all the grains, quinoa packs the most protein. Add oatmeal to your morning smoothie. Related Posts. More Stories From Focused on Health. How to protect kids from the tanning bed trap. The New American Plate is a simple way to help you achieve a healthy diet and lower your cancer risk.

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Protect yourself benerits cancer by Anti-cancer benefits of a balanced diet these anti-cancer Best energy drinks Anti-cancer benefits of a balanced diet your diet. An balxnced diet Herbal remedies for menstrual cramps an important strategy balancsd can use to reduce benefots risk of cancer. The Beneftis Cancer Society advises following the U. Dietary Guidelines, which is to consume at least 2½ to 3 cups of vegetables and 1½ to 2 cups of fruit each day roughly five servings total to reduce risk of cancer. An observational study that followedpeople over 30 years supports the recommendation, finding that doing so reduces the risk of dying from cancer, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory disease. In addition, researchers are finding that certain foods that prevent cancer may be an important part of an anti-cancer diet. Consider these anti-cancer diet guidelines:.

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Simple changes for a cancer-fighting diet