3 FOODS FOR STRONGER BLOOD VESSELS

SOYA

THE natural plant phyto-oestrogens in soya act as antioestrogens in humans, interfering with the ability of oestrogen to fuel certain cancers. To reduce your risk of breast cancer eat 10g of soya protein a day (equivalent to a cup of soya milk) such as edamame beans, soy sauce, tofu, and miso. Studies also show soya can suppress breast cancer by activating a tumour suppressor gene. These findings have implications for women with a BRCA gene mutation, which increases their risk of breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer.

CHICKEN THIGHS

AMONG meats, chicken is one of the healthier choices. We may think of breast meat as the best part because white meat has less fat, but dark meat offers unique health benefits, especially if you trim the fat. Research has revealed that thighs and drumsticks contain vitamin K2, which has anti-angiogenic properties. Studies show it can inhibit unwanted angiogenesis and reduce the risk of heart disease.

TOMATOES

ALL tomatoes are packed with nutrients, but much of the goodness is in the skin, so sizefor-size, cherry tomatoes are a good choice. The main compound in tomatoes is lycopene, which has been shown to potently inhibit rogue angiogenesis that plays a critical role in the growth of cancer. Cooking releases more lycopene from tomato cells, which increases its concentration.

Extracted by LOUISE ATKINSON from Eat To Beat Disease: The Body’s Five Defence Systems And The Foods That Could Save Your Life by Dr William Li, published by Vermilion in paperback at £16.99. © Dr William Li 2018 To order a copy for £13.60 (offer valid to 23/9/19; p&p free on orders over £15), call 0844 571 0640.