About one in five people will develop cancer in their lifetime. While many factors, such as age and family history, are beyond our control, we can lower the risk of cancer with a healthy diet.
Free radicals, reactive chemicals that damage our cells, are believed to contribute to the development of cancer. Antioxidants protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals by strengthening cellular function and reducing oxidative stress.
Experts suggest getting your antioxidants whole from food, with Mindbodygreen this week highlighting the benefits of lycopene, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin and vitamin A.
lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant commonly found in tomatoes – it has been shown to prevent cell damage and provide countless benefits to the body, including but not limited to improving sperm count.
In terms of cancer, lycopene has been shown to suppress tumor growth and disease progression.
Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family, a group of pigments found in squash, tomatoes, carrots and bell peppers. Carotenoids give orange, red and yellow plant foods their bright color and also protect them from oxidative stress.
Foods rich in carotenoids should be consumed with the skin on, as the most important amounts are found in the outer layer.
These colorful antioxidants support eye health and have been shown to protect against colon, lung, breast and prostate cancer.
Resveratrol
Per The Post, resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in dark berries, grapes, red wine, peanuts and pistachios, has been touted as a way to protect against cancer, heart disease and stroke.
According to research, resveratrol fights cancer cells by activating or deactivating molecular pathways.
Lutein and zeaxanthin
The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, found in egg yolks, have been shown to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, the leading causes of blindness in people 55 and older.
In terms of cancer prevention, a 2019 study found that participants with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had the lowest risk of colorectal cancer.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble micronutrient that supports skin and eye health and protects cells from damage.
The nutrient has been shown to help protect against breast cancer, while a diet rich in vitamin A has been linked to a lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer.
Further research has shown that a vitamin A derivative can increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy to kill the tumor.
Vitamin A is found in fish, beef liver, dairy products and eggs.
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Image Source : nypost.com