Foods That May Help Prevent Skin Cancer When Eaten Regularly

Every year, five million individuals are affected by skin cancer and their number is higher than the patients of colon, prostate, lung, and breast cancer. Every one person is dying of melanoma cancer in every hour. It is true that we cannot fully avoid the risks of cancer, though we can adopt such lifestyles that can minimize these risks. It is advisable to quit smoking, avoiding conventional animal products and red meat for preventing most cancer. However, the most common preventive measures for skin cancer are tanning beds, wearing SPF for pervading the absorption of rays, avoiding sun and smoke exposure. All these measures are very significant in guarding your body against destructive UV rays and toxins that are associated with skin cancer.

Importance of Foods for Preventing Skin Cancer

Foods are also important in strengthening the defenses of skin and body for developing cancer. Foods cannot fully prevent cancer but they can dramatically reduce all possible risks and also protects body from specific UV rays that results in 86% melanoma cases. It is vital to eat the right foods for preventing cancer.

What are the Best Nutrients to Aid in Cancer Prevention?

The nutrients which are considered best in aiding cancer prevention are:

• Vitamin A
• B Vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Healthy fats that can shield skin layers such as those obtained from plant-based sources.
• Antioxidants like beta-carotene, lycopene, curcumin, polyphenols, quercetin, and anthocyanins.

All these nutrients are easily found in plant-based foods. Try to buy organic foods for avoiding toxins, pesticides and chemicals that can actually cause cancer. Some of these foods are as follows.

Nutrient-Dense Foods for Skin Cancer Prevention

1. Orange Foods

These foods include carrots, pumpkin, peppers, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. All of them are enriched with B vitamins, vitamin C and beta-carotene. They can promote clear skin and also fights aging that is why they are known as inflammatory-fighting and anti-bacterial foods. Vitamin C and beta-carotene also defend against free radicals that can cause transformation of abnormal cells (termed as cancer).

[divider]

2. Dark Red Foods

Cherries, raspberries, red wine, peppers, red grapes, tomatoes, cranberries and apples are the examples of dark red foods that contain antioxidants such as:

• Cherries contain apigenen
• Raspberries, grapes, wine and cranberries contain anthocynanins and resveratrol
• Tomatoes contain lycopene
• Apples contain quercetin

All these foods are also enriched with fiber and vitamin C. Among all other fruits, goji berries contain all essential nutrients and highest quantities of antioxidants and vitamin A.

[divider]

3. Green Foods

Greens, herbs, green beans, seaweed, broccoli, and peppers are deemed to be the best green foods. These foods are rich in detoxifying and antioxidants nutrients in addition to chlorophyll, fiber, folate, amino acids, vitamin C and vitamin A.

[divider]

4. White Foods

Turnips, onions and garlic are categorized as white foods and they help in fighting against cancer. Both onions and turnips are rich in vitamin C. These foods work as body’s detoxifiers and nourish good bacteria in digestive system for fighting destructive bacteria and other disease. Garlic also contains detoxifying nutrients that are associated with cancer prevention. Onions also contain quercetin.

[divider]

5. Purple and Blue Foods

The examples of these foods are blueberries, eggplant, maqui berries, olives, acai, and blackberries. These foods have disease-fighting properties and are high in vitamin C. Anthocyanins are found in all of these foods that can promote healthy skin and arteries. Moreover, they are also effective in fighting against different kinds of cancer.

[divider]

6. Other Helpful Foods

Turmeric is a leading source of curcumin, which is considered as best anti-inflammatory nutrient. Walnuts are enriched with healthy fats and vitamin E. Brazil nuts contain selenium that is related with cancer prevention. Avocados are rich in vitamin E, B vitamins and chlorophyll. Quinoa, oats, and almonds are high in zinc. Tahini, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are also good sources of B vitamins, zinc and iron.

[divider]

Add these foods in your regular diet for protecting yourself from various kinds of cancer, including skin cancer.