Celebrity anti-cancer food has always been an enduring urban legend. Every once in a while, one or two foods in the circle of friends suddenly shoulder the mission of anti-cancer. Garlic broccoli Carrot Okra Asparagus Green Tea…
Everything that can be eaten seems to have been taken over and over again. So, do those superfoods and nutritional supplements that are widely circulated – such as garlic, cruciferous vegetables, vitamins, etc., really prevent cancer?
To this end, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) specially summarized the “relationship between food and cancer”.
Garlic
Garlic is a Chinese favorite food.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Its protective effect may stem from its antibacterial properties, or its ability to block the formation and activation of carcinogens, enhance DNA repair, reduce cell proliferation, or induce cell death.
Some studies suggest that eating garlic may reduce the risk of many types of cancer, especially gastrointestinal tumors. But the current evidence is still insufficient. Also, the active ingredients in garlic can lose their effectiveness with time, handling, and processing.
Antioxidants
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Antioxidants, also called “free radical cleaners,” prevent free radicals from harming the body’s cells.
This thing, in fact, our own body can also produce (endogenous antioxidants), but generally rely on external sources as supplements, such as fruits, vegetables and grains, etc., and now There are also some antioxidant nutrients, such as beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins A, C, E, selenium and so on.
Animal and in vitro tests suggest that antioxidants may help reduce the incidence of cancer and the risk of death from cancer. However, it has not yet been confirmed what is actually used in humans.
Nine clinical studies of antioxidant supplements worldwide (including a study in Linxian, Henan, China) have shown that dietary antioxidant supplements have not been found to be effective in preventing primary cancer beneficial.
Other studies have found that taking antioxidants increases the risk of certain cancers.
Therefore, don’t mess with antioxidant supplements. Eating more vegetables and fruits is better than anything else.
Tea
Tea contains polyphenolic compounds, especially catechins, which are also antioxidants.
The most mentioned is green tea (not the one you think…)
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
But there is no consensus on whether drinking more tea reduces cancer risk.
Some animal studies have found that tea and tea polyphenols can inhibit tumorigenesis in different organs, but these conclusions have not been confirmed by current epidemiological and clinical studies.
Based on current research evidence, the National Cancer Institute does not currently recommend drinking tea to prevent cancer.
Cruciferous vegetables
Many doctors will emphasize: eat more dark green vegetables – most of which are cruciferous vegetables.
In short, cauliflower looks like a “cross” vegetable.
It’s a huge family: arugula, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, horseradish, kale, water radishes, rutabagas, carrots, Watercress, even mustard…
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
Cruciferous vegetables contain chemicals called glucosinolates, which can form several possible cancer-fighting substances during the breakdown process. Some of these have shown anticancer effects in cell and animal studies, but their role in humans is not well understood.
In general, eating more vegetables may help prevent disease and some types of cancer.
However, when scientists study the role of cruciferous vegetables in comparison to other foods alone, it can be difficult to get a definitive answer. Because the people who participated in the experiment couldn’t remember how many kinds of food they ate today…
Another distraction: People who love cruciferous vegetables may also have healthier lifestyle habits. This alone makes a lot of people who don’t like vegetables thrown out…
Finally, due to genetic differences, some people’s bodies metabolize dietary isothiocyanates differently.
The jury is still out on who will benefit more from eating cruciferous vegetables.
Compared to be superstitious about a certain food, choosing to eat more high-quality healthy food combinations in daily life, eating less barbecue and sweets, plus regular exercise and a healthy attitude can help more scientifically. We prevent cancer.
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