The prevalence of cancer has tremendously risen in modern society. Across the world, over twenty million people are affected by a diagnosed cancer. The number might even go up because several million people also die of cancer but go undiagnosed, especially in third-world countries. Studies have shown that the disorder can be reduced through appropriate lifestyle modification. Actually, it is mostly what we eat that predisposes us to the disease. If everyone adopted the right and the required food regimen, at least the cancer prevalence can go down.
What is cancer?
Cancer refers to the abnormal and unregulated growth of cells in the body. The most common ones are breast, lung, and prostate cancers. Some causes of the disease include infections, genetic predisposition, diet and lifestyle in general, and environmental pollution among others. Smoking and drinking alcohol have also been implicated in predisposing individuals to the disease. Taking appropriate foods will help in preventing the disorder. The food may also boost the body’s immunity helping the body fight cancer. Some foods contain antioxidants thus helping in fighting the body infections that may cause cancer cells to grow.
Cancer and Allium-Based Foods.
Consuming food rich in garlic, leeks, onions, chives, and scallions helps in fighting cancer cells. These foods contain a compound called allium which has antitumor 
and antimicrobial effects on the body. They, therefore, help on preventing H. Pylori which is the most commonly implicated bacteria in stomach cancers. Consuming garlic alone helps in reducing the risk of getting colon, breast, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.
Glucosinolates Based Foods
Taking cruciferous vegetables such as cabbages, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli have also been shown to help in fighting the disease. These vegetables contain a compound known as glucosinolates which activate intestinal enzymes like 
sulforaphane which helps in fighting and detoxifying environmental pollution hence preventing infections like Pylori. These cruciferous vegetables are known to prevent most cancers especially those affecting gut like intestinal cancers and stomach cancer. Lutein, also found in carotene, is important for vision and fighting cancers.
Fruits and Lycopene Based Foods
An increase in a diet rich in fruits is also quite important in the fight and prevention of the disease. Fruits such as guavas, watermelon, carrots, avocados, tomatoes, papaya, grapes and apples, and pears are some fruits that boost body immunity 
and help in fighting against cancer. Tomatoes specifically have a compound called lycopene. Lycopene is known to help reduce the risk of getting tumors. Laboratory studies have shown that lycopene helps in reducing the risk of getting endometrial cancers and breast cancers. Beta-carotene found in carrots is crucial in fighting skin cancers because of its antioxidant properties.
Cancer and Fiber-Rich Foods
Studies have also shown that taking food rich in fiber and roughage helps reduce cancer risks. Fiber is an important nutrient and helps in increasing the motility of the food along the gut thereby helping in preventing constipation. Fiber and roughage have been shown to reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Classical examples of fibers include whole grains and cereals among others.
Vitamins and Minerals
Taking minerals and vitamins has been shown to improve the treatment outcome of cancers. Studies have shown that vitamins and minerals are important components of nutrition that help boost the body’s immunity. This helps the body to fight and eliminate cancer cells.
In general, eating appropriate meals is very important in managing lifestyle diseases such as cancer. Reducing and limiting red meat and other animal product has been shown to improve the general health of individuals. Increasing the intake of vegetables and fruits increases the body’s ability to fight infections and also helps in the body’s repair of worn-out tissues. Increasing their intake will therefore help in reducing cancer.
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