10 Foods To Include In Your Diet As They Help To Fight Cancer

Over the course of time, humanity has made remarkable strides, establishing itself as the dominant species on Earth. Yet, despite our progress, we continue to face existential threats from natural disasters, world wars, and deadly disease outbreaks the recent ones being Zika and Ebola. Among these challenges, one of the most feared and persistent health threats remains cancer.

Affecting millions across the globe, cancer continues to be a major health concern, demanding greater awareness. Dispelling myths and breaking the stigma surrounding it is only possible through informed understanding.

Ironically, cancer a disease rooted in the abnormal growth of cells often goes undetected in its early stages. These abnormal cells form tumours (or neoplasms), which can potentially spread to various parts of the body. It’s important to note, however, that not all tumours are cancerous.

Cancer is widely considered a lifestyle disease, often linked to factors such as smoking, obesity, poor dietary habits, and excessive alcohol consumption. What’s surprising is that, in many cases, prevention is possible with simple lifestyle changes and nature provides us with abundant resources to do just that.

One powerful preventive tool lies in our diet especially fruits. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and cancer-fighting compounds, certain fruits can significantly lower the risk of cancer. Here are 10 fruits that help combat or reduce the risk of cancer:

# Grapes

Grapes are rich in resveratrol, a potent flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest it can slow the growth of cancer cells in the colon, stomach, liver, lymph, and breasts, while also protecting against cell damage.

# Papaya

Often dubbed the "fruit of angels," papaya contains lycopene, an antioxidant known to target cancer cells in the cervix, breast, prostate, liver, lungs, and pancreas — without harming healthy cells.

# Raspberries

These berries are packed with ellagic acid, which helps fight oxidative stress and free radicals — two major culprits behind cancer. Raspberries also show anti-inflammatory effects on colon cancer cells.

# Avocados

A true superfruit, avocados contain avocation B, a compound that attacks cancer stem cells. Their dark green flesh is also rich in carotenoids, which help prevent tumour formation.

# Oranges

Citrus fruits like oranges are high in vitamin C, which protects against carcinogenic nitrosamines in the digestive tract. The limonene in orange peel supports the body's natural detox system.

# Apples

As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Apple peels contain triterpenoids, which activate Maspin, a protein known to suppress cancer — particularly in the prostate and breast.

# Strawberries

Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, and ellagic acid — a powerful compound effective against cancers of the skin, bladder, lungs, oesophagus, and breast.

# Peaches

Peaches are rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins (A, C, B1, B2). They are known to induce apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells.

# Pomegranates

This vibrant fruit contains natural compounds that suppress aromatase, an enzyme involved in estrogen production. Since around 70% of breast cancers rely on estrogen to grow, pomegranates are excellent for reducing that risk.

# Lemons

Lemons provide a healthy dose of d-limonene, a cancer-fighting compound that boosts antioxidant activity in the body. A daily glass of lemon water can be a simple and effective cancer-prevention habit.