How To Prevent Skin Cancer With These Miracle Foods

All of us know that skin in the largest organ of human body. Yet, it is also true that it is one of the most exploited organ also. From the excessive exposure to the harmful radiation of the sun to the constant use of various chemicals, people just ill-treat it. So there is nothing astonishing about the increasing prevalence of skin cancer. According to studies, more than 40% of the people across the globe are at the risk of developing this lethal skin disease.

But there are certain foods that could cut down the risk rate significantly. Before we look into the top 10 foods that could reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, let us talk a little about how these foods prevent the condition.

skin cancer

How Do Foods Help In Preventing Skin Cancer?

According to countless studies on the link between foods and skin cancers, it has been found out that people who eat a diet packed with antioxidants are at lesser risk. Antioxidants are compounds that could protect your skin cells from the damages induced by the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

The UV rays damage the cells of your skin, triggering the release of oxygen molecules named free radicals. These molecules are powerful enough to modify the DNA and promote cell proliferation, in turn, increasing the skin of skin cancer. Antioxidants, according to studies, neutralize these free radicals, eventually cutting down the risk of skin cancer.

According to a new study, foods that have anti-angiogenic properties also help prevent skin cancer. Excessive exposure to sun triggers angiogenesis, a process in which new blood vessels are created, which actually becomes the food of cancerous cells. These anti- angiogenic foods starve the cancerous cells, thus preventing its growth and metastasis.

Top 10 Miracle Foods To Prevent Skin Cancer

1. Carrots

Carrots

Carrots are crammed with various nutrients that have wide and varied health benefits for the mankind. It has a rich presence of beta-carotene, one of the most potent anti-cancerous ingredient ever discovered. It shields your skin from the harmful radiations of the sun, thereby lowering the risk of melanoma. Drink a glass of freshly juiced carrots daily, especially if you find yourself coming under the sun for a longer duration daily.

2. Fish Oil

fish oil supplement

Fish oil is the ultimate source of Omgea-3 essential fatty acids, that are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This enables fish oil to ward off the inflammatory responses in the body triggered by the free radicals, in turn, lowering the cancer risk. Studies also suggest that fish oil has anti- angiogenic properties that prevent the cancer cells from feeding on the blood vessels, preventing the onset and spread of this lethal condition. According to a study that appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, regular inclusion of one serving of Omega-3 rich fish like sardines and salmon, 5 days a week, helps in lowering the chances of squamous cell carcinoma.

[ Read: How Fish Oil Supplements Beneficial For Kids ]

3. Turmeric

Turmeric

This golden yellow spice has been long used in Ayurveda to combat a wide array of inflammatory skin conditions. Evidences suggest that the root contains an ingredient called curcumin that makes it one of the best foods to prevent skin cancer. It has the power to induce a suicidal tendency in cancerous cells, without affecting the healthy cells. Turmeric, according to studies, could also prevent the formation of nitrosamine as well as aflatoxin, two substances that up the risk of skin cancer.

[ Read: How To Make Turmeric Tea And It’s Health Benefits ]

4. Shiitake Mushrooms

shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in selenium, one of the most powerful anti-cancerous mineral. Plus, these Chinese delicacies also contain beta-glucans in rich amounts. Both these compounds help in destroying the cancer cells by triggering the passage of immune cells into the cancer affected area.

5. Green Tea

Green Tea

Green tea is a great source of antioxidants. Various scientific studies conducted on this healthy drink suggest that it could help lower the risk of various forms of cancers. It contains catechins, the compounds that shield the DNA and cells from the damages induced by the free radicals. Add a dash of vitamin C rich lemon juice to your daily dose of green tea for a powerful antioxidant rich drink.

[ Read: How Green Tea Stops Cancer Growth ]

6. Watercress

Watercress

According to studies, watercress has the power to reduce the damages to the blood cells. It contains phenethyl isothiocyanate, a type of mustard oil that has powerful anti-cancerous properties. But studies also suggest that the rich presence of lutein, beta carotene, and vitamin C in watercress also contribute to its power to combat cancer.

7. Red Wine

red wine

Red wine is a tasty antioxidant rich drink that you could include in your diet to keep your skin safe from the attack of cancerous cells. According to a study conducted in Australia, people who included one glass of wine in their diet, twice or thrice a week, had 27% lesser chances of developing the pre-cancerous condition called actinic keratoses. Actinic keratoses is characterized by the presence of abnormal growths or patches on skin. The resveratrol and catechin present in wine contain antioxidant properties. In addition, these compounds also have the potential to prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells.

8. Flax Seed

Flaxseed

Flax seed has a balanced and powerful combo of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids that works toward neutralizing the free radicals. This, eventually, eases the inflammation and prevents oxidative damages that lead to skin cancer.

[ Read: How To Include Flaxseeds In Your Diet ]

9. Coffee

Coffee

If you love coffee, then here is one more reason you should never skip it. The caffeine present in coffee, according to a study, could lower the risk of basal cell carcinoma, the most commonly seen skin cancer.

[ Read: How Drinking Coffee Could Improve Your Health ]

10. Cherries

cherries

Cherries are abundant sources of perillyl alcohol, a substance that is touted to be powerful enough to destroy cancerous cells. The studies conducted have proved the anti-cancerous nature of these deep red fruits in the lab and otherwise. Drink a glass of tart cherry juice everyday to shield your skin.

Along with these foods, try to include a balanced, healthy diet and cut down the use of chemicals and exposure to sun. Your skin will thank you!

Share your tips in the comments below.