With August coming to an end and September almost here, many are looking forward to welcoming the autumn season and all that it brings: crisp air, short days and colorful leaves. Autumn also offers a variety of healthful and delicious produce, many of which helps fight against cancer. Hope 4 Cancer reviews four plentiful cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables and their protective benefits:
1. Apples
Nutritious and tasty, several studies have shown that apple consumption can reduce the risk of cancer and defeat cancerous tumors. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, both of which combat cancer, and they also contain many antioxidants, helping to prevent chronic illness and slow aging.
2. Cranberries
Although a Thanksgiving staple, don’t restrict cranberries to just the holiday. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and have high antioxidant power, most of which comes from phytochemicals, a compound in plants that helps fight cancer. Research has shown that cranberries help prevent the beginning stages of cancer and aid in slowing tumor development.
3. Winter Squash
A poster food for autumn, winter squash is loaded with healthy antioxidants, including carotenoids and beta-carotene. Research has found that foods rich in carotenoids can help reduce the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx and lung cancer, and foods containing beta-carotene may lower the risk of esophageal cancer. Squash is high in potassium, which promotes healthy bones and blood pressure levels. It also helps improve eyesight, boosts skin health, and strengthens the immune system.
4. Pumpkins
What is fall without pumpkins? A member of the squash family, pumpkins are a seasonal favorite since they’re great for decorating and eating. But don’t restrict them to just the autumn season since they have many health benefits. Pumpkins are an excellent source of fiber, and one study found that those who consumed diets high in fiber had an 11% lower risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Pumpkins are also one of the best sources of alpha- and beta-carotene, which promotes healthy vision and cell growth.
1. Apples
Nutritious and tasty, several studies have shown that apple consumption can reduce the risk of cancer and defeat cancerous tumors. Apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, both of which combat cancer, and they also contain many antioxidants, helping to prevent chronic illness and slow aging.
2. Cranberries
Although a Thanksgiving staple, don’t restrict cranberries to just the holiday. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and have high antioxidant power, most of which comes from phytochemicals, a compound in plants that helps fight cancer. Research has shown that cranberries help prevent the beginning stages of cancer and aid in slowing tumor development.
3. Winter Squash
A poster food for autumn, winter squash is loaded with healthy antioxidants, including carotenoids and beta-carotene. Research has found that foods rich in carotenoids can help reduce the risk of mouth, pharynx, larynx and lung cancer, and foods containing beta-carotene may lower the risk of esophageal cancer. Squash is high in potassium, which promotes healthy bones and blood pressure levels. It also helps improve eyesight, boosts skin health, and strengthens the immune system.
4. Pumpkins
What is fall without pumpkins? A member of the squash family, pumpkins are a seasonal favorite since they’re great for decorating and eating. But don’t restrict them to just the autumn season since they have many health benefits. Pumpkins are an excellent source of fiber, and one study found that those who consumed diets high in fiber had an 11% lower risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Pumpkins are also one of the best sources of alpha- and beta-carotene, which promotes healthy vision and cell growth.