One of the most dangerous illnesses known to man is cancer. According to the American Cancer Society there is an estimated 1,735,350 of newly diagnosed cancer cases. On the other hand, the estimated number of deaths is 609, 640. These estimates are for this year in 2018. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of cancer-related diseases will continue to rise in 2020. Two years from now, more than 10,000 lung cancer cases are expected in women. Weight-related cancers are also expected to go up by 30% to 40% the same year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

It is impossible to know the exact reason why cancer develops. The same idea is supported by the National Cancer Institute. However, a lot of research has been done to discover what the risk factors in developing cancer are. Some of the suspected risk factors are age, hormones, diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption, sunlight, and cancer-causing substances (National Cancer Institute).

However, studies have been developed on certain products that are believed to be capable of lessening the risk factors of cancer.

Pomegranate Juice

Some researchers have discovered that pomegranate juice can help in stopping prostate cancer cells’ growth (Medical News Today). Similarly, the City of Hope writes that pomegranate is also a prime candidate that can block breast cancer. This is because pomegranate stops a substance that helps in producing estrogen and estrogen is needed by 70% of breast cancers to grow. More research is still being done to discover other aspects of pomegranate that can help eliminate the risk factors of cancer. However, it has other nutrients and vitamins that can still keep the body healthy. Even better, it tastes great!

Flax

Flaxseed is one of the richest sources for lignan, a plant compound that has been found to reduce cancerous tumors in rats (The Truth About Cancer). Researches are still being done to discover its benefits to human cancer but it is believed that it can lower the risk of cancer (American Institute for Cancer Research).

Hemp, Marijuana and CBD

Hemp and marijuana come from the same family. Hemp consists high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) which can help with a variety of illnesses and problems like epilepsy, insomnia and fatigue. In addition, a study was conducted in 2018 in Sullivan University College of Pharmacy in Kentucky that showed CBD oil slowed the growth of ovarian cancer. A man named Rick Simpson was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma skin cancer in 2003. After a lack of improvement from surgery, Simpson decided to orally ingest cannabis plant oil. He also applied the oil to bandages that he placed on spots on his skin that were infected by the cancer. Four days later, he found that his skin had been cured.

Another woman was also able to find help from cannabis oil. She is now a survivor of stage 4 breast cancer. In addition, she also takes a breakfast smoothie which contains arugula, spinach, kale, organic berries, lemon, apricot seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds, matcha green tea powder, turmeric powder, and pomegranate!

Purple Potatoes

Pigs have a similar digestive system with humans. The research was conducted by researchers in Pennsylvania State University and discovered that purple potatoes suppressed the growth of colon cancer stem cells.

Spinach

Beta carotene and vitamin C are nutrients that can be found in spinach. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps in blocking carcinogens, one of the substances that can cause cancer (Pennsylvania State University).

Arugula

According to Dr. Axe, arugula is one of vegetables that are great sources of anti-cancer phytochemicals. Studies have also discovered that arugula can prevent gastrointestinal cancers such as in the colon and bladder.

Chia and Matcha

Alpha lipoic acid can be found in chia seeds. These have been found by the Journal of Molecular Biochemistry to limit the growth of breast and cervical cancer cells. It has also been found to eliminate cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. Additionally, matcha has also been found to have benefits that can provide cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that catechins found in matcha green tea can help prevent cancer. Similar to chia, matcha was also found to lower risk of colorectal cancer in Chinese women aged 40 to 70. Hence, it’s a good thing that matcha-induced drinks and food are becoming more popular these days.

All in all, these fruits, plants, seeds, and vegetables contain components that can help prevent cancer. While there is still a lot of studies and researches to be done, taking some of these and adding them to your diet can help in a lot of ways. It is also important to remember to live a healthier lifestyle and avoid food and activities that are risk factors for cancer. However, one should remain careful in taking these products since too much can cause other problems.