Foods That Fight Inflammation: An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Guide That May Support Cancer Prevention

Foods That Fight Inflammation:  Cancer patients are gradually rising in India and the world at large. According to Aman Puri, Founder of Steadfast Nutrition and a certified sports nutrition specialist, shares, ‘The main causes of cancer are tobacco, alcohol, a sedentary lifestyle, and improper dietary habits. The intake of highly processed foods like meat, processed foods, and sweetened drinks, which are high in saturated fats and refined sugars, may raise the levels of oxidative stress.”

He added, “High levels of oxidative stress in the body may cause inflammation. Acute inflammation, if left unchecked for a long time, may cause chronic inflammation and result in damage to healthy tissues and DNA, thereby this ongoing damage can increase your risk of cancer. Controlling the inflammatory response in the body by maintaining a balanced diet, an active lifestyle, and regular physical activity is the solution to preventing cancer.”

Foods That Fight Inflammation (Image Credit: Canva)

He emphasized dietary choices or what we eat play a vital role in preventing and keeping diseases at bay. It is also important to note that no single food can specifically prevent cancer. However, maintaining a healthy diet comprising anti-inflammatory foods may lower the risk. Here are some foods that may help reduce the risk of cancer:

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful phytochemical that protects cells from damage. Tomatoes are said to possess anti-cancerous properties due to the presence of carotenoids, which interfere with and inhibit cancer cell growth. Additionally, they contain vitamins A, C, and E, which possess strong antioxidant properties that fight radicals and lower Inflammation.

2. Grapes

Grapes are essentially involved in the inhibition and progression of tumour cell growth. This is due to the presence of resveratrol that possesses strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids and anthocyanins in grapes also have strong anti-inflammatory properties that prevent tumour progression.

3. Broccoli

This cruciferous vegetable contains the compound sulforaphane (SFN), which possesses significant anti-cancer properties. SFN has tumour- suppressing properties that suppress pro-inflammatory pathways, hampering the growth of cancer cells.

4. Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that combats free radicals. They’re also high in the phytochemicals lutein and polyacetylenes, which work as anti-inflammatory agents and induce cell apoptosis (cancer cell death).

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5. Garlic

Garlic contains several sulfur-containing anti-carcinogenic compounds, including allicin, diallyl sulfide, and diallyl trisulfide, that inhibit cell damage. These regulate cell proliferation, protecting cells from DNA damage and inflammation.

6. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in phenolic compounds, which reduce oxidative stress. They contain anthocyanins and resveratrol, which help neutralise free radicals and protect the cells. Blueberries increase antioxidant activities, potentially protecting the cells from damage and inhibiting tumour growth.

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Food choices may be personal, but it is important to limit consumption of processed and packaged food, as well as the intake of excessive alcohol and smoking.