Top Foods That Can Help Fight Lung Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, men have a 1 in 15 chance of developing lung cancer, while that for women is 1 in 17. Despite that fact that the risk is slightly high among smokes, there are several other triggers of lung cancer that affect nonsmokers as well. Overall, it is the second most common form of cancer and about 13% of all new cases detected are lung cancer. If you are concerned about anyone developing the condition, don’t worry yet as one can make changes in your diet and overall lifestyle to reduce the risk of lung cancer.
If you’re wondering how foods can help someone fight lung cancer, you must understand the ways in which the body is influenced by different types of foods. Some affect the way a person’s metabolism works to influence the functioning of cancer cells, others can influence the different phases of the cancer cell cycle. Herein, we take a look at the top foods that can help fight lung cancer.
Vitamin-rich fruits
Several studies conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center have found that low levels of vitamins A and C, and certain antioxidants can increase the risk of lung cancer. So, incorporate more fruits like cantaloupe, orange, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple, and watermelon in your diet. These fruits are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help reduce the damage caused by free radicals affecting cancer cells.
They also help repair and maintain damaged tissue and restore immunity.
Whole grains
If your current diet is heavily influenced by refined grains and foods containing processed and saturated fats. Switching to whole grains gives you the total benefit of using plant compounds. Among several foods that can help fight lung cancer, whole grains are loaded with beneficial antioxidants, healthy fats, B vitamins, and some amount of protein. Combined, these natural plant-based compounds can protect the cells from damage that can lead to lung cancer.
Healthy fats
Several sources of healthy fats form a crucial part of foods that can help fight lung cancer. Substituting saturated fats with foods that boast natural plant-based healthy fats can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer. Different types of nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and avocados also help you prepare meals that are calorie-dense and fulfill your appetite. Switch to olive for sautéing and frying vegetables. Eat more avocados as they are extremely rich sources of fiber, antioxidants, glutathione, Vitamins C and E and essential compounds that help fight prevent and reduce the chances of lung cancer.
Watercress
Although it may sound like a fancy ingredient used in salads and appetizers, watercress is an excellent option among foods that can help fight lung cancer. It is rich in isothiocyanates, compounds that interfere with the process of cancer cells dividing. The nutritious plant also helps enhance the effect of radiation therapy during treatment to speed up the process of killing cancer cells.
Tomato sauce
You can use tomato sauce in most recipes and cooking methods. It is rich in lycopene, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory properties to counter several problems associated with lung cancer.
Oysters
Enjoy a fresh plate of oysters? Then you have already taken a precautionary step to protect from lung cancer. Oysters are rich in zinc and help you counter a zinc deficiency to prevent and reduce the risk of lung cancer.
Fish
Pescatarians are in for a pleasant surprise as salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is especially beneficial for countering the effects of non-small cell lung cancer and fish is an excellent source of this compound.
