Many wonder if cancer is preventable. Doctors believe that if we reduce exposure to the risk factors of cancer, we can prevent the condition. However, some cancers are genetic, and the causes of cancer may be beyond our control. Relentless research has given a lot of information on the ways to prevent cancer, and one of the methods is consuming superfoods that can prevent cancer if included in meals regularly.

Superfoods contain concentrated amounts of one particular nutrient. They help the body fight free radicals that cause cell damage and cancer. Some of the superfoods that can help prevent cancer are:

1. Broccoli
Phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. One of the vegetables that have a high concentration of phytochemicals is broccoli. When we chew on raw broccoli, one of its compounds, glucosinate, releases enzymes similar to those produced in our body. These enzymes can reduce inflammation and help prevent cancer. Including broccoli in three to four meals a week can prevent cancers like prostate, lung, bladder, liver, neck, esophagus, skin, and stomach cancer. People can eat raw broccoli and train kids to eat broccoli from a young age; the habit could become a great tool to prevent cancer.

2. Garlic
Garlic has a high concentration of sulfur. Sulfur has properties that can fight the free radicals and prevent cell damage. It is helpful to reverse any damage to the DNA and can destroy cancer cells. Garlic is effective in preventing stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreatic, and breast cancer. Eating it raw may be overwhelming, so chop garlic pods into two and shallow fry in melted butter or vegetable oil and eat it or add it to salads.

3. Tomato
Tomato is a superfood of lycopene compound, a powerful antioxidant that can fight against cancer cells. A faulty immune system can cause cancer, and tomatoes can prevent such types of cancer. Tomatoes can help prevent endometrial, lung, and breast cancer. Fresh tomato soup and juice, tomatoes in salads, and curries are some of the best ways to consume tomatoes. Though ketchup and sauce are sources of tomatoes, they don’t have the required quantities of lycopene.

4. Berries
Berries are superfoods of anthocyanins. They effectively destroy pre-cancerous cells and prevent the forming of new blood vessels that can supply blood to cancerous tumors. Half a cup of berries every day, either fresh or dried, can effectively prevent cancer. Berries help prevent skin, colon, esophageal, and oral cancer.

5. Walnuts 
Walnuts are the best plant-based sources for omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from that, they also contain a phytochemical called ellagic acid. The bacteria in the digestive system convert the ellagic acid into urolithin, which can prevent cancer. Ellagic acid can also prevent inflammation and reduce oxidative stress on the cells and help prevent cancer. Eat a handful of walnuts daily as a snack to prevent cancer. Women should eat walnuts regularly as it can prevent breast cancer. Men at higher risk of prostate cancer, too, should include walnuts in their meal plans.