Cancer is a silent threat that can strike without warning, especially if there's a family history. But did you know that your lifestyle, including your dietary habits, can play a major role in reducing your risk? Let’s build an anti-cancer diet with these 8 foods to lower the risk of this potentially fatal disease!

1.Cranberries

Cranberries are a superfood with the potential to prevent cystitis, urinary tract infection, and even cancer. Rich in vitamins C and E, these little berries pack a punch with their unique A-type proanthocyanidins that inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori to the stomach wall, lowering the risk of stomach cancer. And that’s not all - cranberries are also high in phytochemicals such as proanthocyanidins and polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that can lower blood lipid levels, increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels and protect heart health.

2.Apples

Apples contain rich phytohaemagglutinin that stimulates the proliferation of lymphocytes and interferon production, strengthening the immune system. Packed with pectin and dietary fibre, apples also help excrete harmful substances from the intestines, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Plus, their abundant vitamins C and E, β-carotene, carotene and lycopene can prevent the growth of cancer cells, effectively preventing colorectal, mouth, throat and lung cancers.

3.Cherries

These juicy little fruits are packed with vitamins A and C, anthocyanin, minerals such as potassium, and melatonin that lower the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. And that’s not all – with their strong antioxidant effects, they can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, and reduce the risk of ageing-associated diseases, and mouth, throat and lung cancers.

4.Spinach

The rich β-carotene in spinach can prevent damage from reactive oxygen species and the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, strengthening the immune system and preventing cancer. As an added bonus, β-carotene can be metabolised into vitamin A by the liver, lowering the risk of colorectal, stomach, lung, pancreatic, and bladder cancers and urothelial carcinoma.

5.Broccoli

Broccoli has a reputation as a cancer-fighting superfood. When chopping or chewing broccoli, it will release sulforaphane with strong antioxidant properties, which helps inhibit cancer cell growth, slow down ageing and fight against viruses. It is a powerful weapon against lung, breast, colorectal, prostate and other cancers. And that's not all - broccoli also has the added benefit of regulating blood sugar levels.

6.Red carrots

The cancer-fighting properties of red carrots come from the potent β-carotene and other remarkable phytochemicals. β-carotene can be metabolised into vitamin A by the liver and lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, including mouth, pharyngeal, throat, oesophageal, liver, stomach and colon cancers.

7.Blueberries

Blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses aiding in removing free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamins C and K, calcium, magnesium, folic acid and other nutrients that help protect brain, cardiovascular and eye health. Plus, their rich anthocyanins can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and trigger their apoptosis, effectively preventing colorectal cancer.

8.Flaxseed

With up to 800 times more lignans than other plant-based foods and high in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. It has outstanding effects in preventing breast and prostate cancers by inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells and tumours.

While maintaining a healthy diet can play a role in cancer prevention, it's crucial to stay vigilant and seek medical attention if you notice any worrying signs.

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