Diet plays a huge role in our overall health and wellbeing with some foods raising or lowering the risk for conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Therefore, it is common advice from health bodies to stick to a healthy, balanced diet alongside other general tips like exercising, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol.
However, diet could also have an effect on your likelihood of developing cancer, according to research.
Wellness expert, nutritional advisor and cancer survivor, Lauren Lepley, spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk to explain more.
She said: “Research has shown that these foods and drinks can prevent cancer by reducing inflammation in the body, protecting cells from damage, and preventing the growth of cancer cells.”
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Ms Lepley shared four types of foods and drinks that could have “anti-cancer” properties.
Berries
“Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain antioxidants that help prevent damage to cells and reduce inflammation, which can lead to cancer,” she said.
Cruciferous vegetables
She detailed: “Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that can help prevent cancer.
“These compounds can help detoxify the body, reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of cancer cells.”
Garlic
“Garlic contains sulphur compounds that can help prevent cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells and reducing inflammation in the body,” she said.
One study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition this year, concluded that garlic had a “protective effect” against bowel cancer.
Turmeric
She said: “Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help prevent cancer.
“Research has shown that curcumin can help prevent various types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.”
Spirulina
She added: “Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
“It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.”
General symptoms of cancer include:
- Very heavy night sweats
- Fatigue
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Unexplained pain or ache
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual swelling or lump in the body.
If you experience any symptoms of cancer you should speak to your GP.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
