10 foods known as 'cancer shields'

According to Dr. Ha Vu Thanh - Department of Endoscopy and Functional Exploration, K Hospital (Hanoi), cancer is the second leading cause of death in Vietnam after cardiovascular disease. Cancer is influenced by many factors such as age, genetics and especially eating habits. Cancer can be completely prevented if you have a scientific diet and increase good foods in your daily diet.

Food plays a role in both preventing cancer and limiting recurrence. Dr. Thanh suggests foods that are easy to find, reasonably priced, and prevent cancer activation.

1. Broccoli:According to Dr. Thanh, this is the leading food in cancer prevention, considered an “anti-cancer shield”. This vegetable contains many isotiocyanate compounds that activate some anti-cancer genes and prevent the formation of blood vessels in tumors. Experts recommend that you should add 2 meals of this vegetable to your family’s menu every week.

2. Green tea:This familiar drink of Vietnamese people contains many EGCG compounds that prevent the growth of cancer cells. Many studies have shown that people who regularly drink green tea can reduce the risk of cancers such as digestive cancer, oral cavity, lung, prostate...

3. Kale:This is considered the queen of vegetables. Kale contains very high levels of glucosinolate which will be converted by the body into antioxidants, preventing free radicals in the body, and preventing tumor formation. You should include it in your family menu at least once a week.

4. Black beans:According to Dr. Thanh, this type of bean is considered the king of beans. Black beans are rich in flavonoids, which reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. In particular, there are up to 8 types of flavonoids in the seed coat. Regularly eating black beans will have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, improve health and prevent tumor formation. Black beans also prevent weight gain and cardiovascular diseases because they contain a lot of omega-3 fats. In addition, you can also use green beans.

5. Garlic:This is a familiar spice in all families. Regular use of garlic can prevent cancer. It is best to chop the garlic and leave it out for 10 minutes before using, to activate allicin to take effect. Garlic can prevent cancer by its antibacterial properties, increasing the ability to repair genetics, antioxidants, and slowing the proliferation of malignant cells.

6. Oatmeal:Oatmeal is a food rich in fiber, cleans the digestive system, prevents free radicals, and intestinal cancer. According to Dr. Thanh, if you regularly eat oatmeal, you can reduce the risk of cancer by 15%. Eating oatmeal is best in the morning to provide fiber and micronutrients. People undergoing cancer treatment can also use it.

7. Carrots:Carotenoids in carrots act as anti-cancer agents. In addition, phytochemicals in carrots reduce the risk of tumor formation. Many studies confirm that men who eat carrots regularly have a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

8. Red Apple:Phenolics in red apple extract increase antioxidant activity. Eating red apples every day helps reduce lung cancer and breast cancer.

9. Blueberries:Vitamin C, vitamin A and various phytonutrients are powerful antioxidants, fight free radicals and reduce tumor growth and tumor formation.

10. Flaxseeds:This is an uncommon seed in Vietnam but is rich in omega-3 - a healthy fat, good for cardiovascular health. Flaxseeds contain many antioxidants with compounds such as secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid that control inflammation in cells, preventing the formation of malignant tumors.