6 CANCER-FIGHTING SUPERSTARS
Sesame seeds
Packed with healthy unsaturated fats, all seeds are an excellent source of omega-3s and omega-6s. They also provide soluble fibre, phytochemicals and plant sterols, which can protect against many diseases, including cancer.
Sesame seeds (either plain or toasted, as sesame oil and tahini paste) contain useful minerals and phytoestrogens that help regulate the body’s oestrogen production and are known to hinder the production and spread of certain tumour cells. Sprinkle seeds over salads and add to muesli, muffins and home-made bread.
Edamame beans
TheSe bright green soy beans are a good source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytoestrogens, thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells), and the only vegetable regarded as a complete protein food because they contain all nine essential amino acids. Find them in the freezer section. defrost and add to salads (delicious with crumbled feta cheese and mint) or add to meat dishes to maximise the meal’s nutritional value.
Beetroot
BeeTrooT is delicious eaten raw, finely shredded, roasted, or cooked and pickled. The purple colour comes from betacyanin, a compound shown in studies to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Leaves can be eaten like spinach and are packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins a, c and e.
Sage
ThiS common herb is rich in phytochemicals and a good source of vital nutrients, i ncluding vitamins a, c and k and several B vitamins, as well as important minerals. it is thought that sage’s phytochemical content may help prevent the formation of cancer and/or suppress its development.
Tomatoes
a PowerFuL source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has the potential to inhibit breast cancer by stopping cancer cell growth. Lycopene becomes more potent after cooking and processing, so try our recipes below.
Salmon
oiLy fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel — which are rich in omega-3 — help to decrease inflammation (and blood pressure), and provide a source of vitamin d to promote calcium uptake by the bones. Salmon may also contain natural chemopreventative agents that can inhibit or impede cancer.
aim to eat oily fish once or twice a week. See recipes below.