Hippocrates, the father of medicine himself, once declared “let food be thy medicine!” Today, Home Care Assistance of Toronto, ON wanted to take his advice and look at the few ingredients that have risen to the top of every doctor’s prescription pad for how to prevent cancer.
- Broccoli – As members of the cruciferous vegetable group; broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are jam-packed with free-radical fighting compounds. They have also been shown to slow down and even stop cancer cell growth.
- Berries – From blueberries to strawberries, berries of all sorts are filled with anti-oxidants, which are essential in beating-back cancer development. For a double-dose of anti-cancer action, choose anthocyanin-filled black raspberries. In blocking the formation of blood vessels essential for tumor growth, these sweet treats keep cancer at bay.
- Beans – While the jury is still out on the benefits to humans, lab animals have been known to avoid two of the most devastating cancers when fed a diet of beans and legumes. As such, warming up with a great bean soup may be worthwhile not only to keep the cold out in winter, but also to help prevent colon and breast cancer.
- Garlic – Not just for vampire movies anymore, garlic is also great for fending off cancers, particularly in the digestive tract. A clove a day may reduce colon cancer risk by up to 50 percent.
- Green Tea – Potent anti-cancer agents in green tea not only prevent tumors from forming but also act to halt growth of existing cancer cells. Black tea also provides a protective effect but the green variety offers a two-for-one blend of cancer fighting components.
- Tomatoes – The bright red hue of tomatoes is made possible by lycopene, a potent antioxidant. Increased intake of tomatoes, particularly as sauce or other processed forms, have been linked to substantially decreased rates of prostate and endometrial cancers.
With so many tasty remedies to choose from, it can be hard to know which foods offer the greatest therapeutic benefits. However, the foods listed above have proven to be some of the best and can be easily incorporated into a senior diet to help reduce the risk for cancer.
If you have an aging parent or loved one who may not be able to prepare meals independently or you are concerned about their nutrition, reach out to Home Care Assistance of Toronto and find out how one of our highly trained and professional caregivers can help promote safety, comfort, and quality of life. To learn more about our Toronto 24 hour care or hourly care options, call 416-488-8777 and schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation with a friendly Care Manager.