Skin cancer and premature skin aging from the sun are preventable with sunscreen and by eating the right foods. A focus on the right foods offers protection from sunburn and skin cancer, from the inside out. Foods that attack free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation can keep us looking younger and protect from sunburn that leads to skin cancer, pre-cancerous skin changes.
A wide variety of specific foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and natural whole grains have been recognized as valuable in fighting skin cancer. Due to phytochemical makeups, these types of foods best protect the body from cancer and fight back against it. Low-fat foods and high-fiber foods are the crowned champions of warding off cancer through diet. As fiber influences the intestines to move more quickly, carcinogenic toxins are not allowed to accumulate or sit for too long within vital organs. Eat these foods steadily and you’ll be fighting the good fight against skin cancer.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants and Vitamins C and E are the best skin cancer prevention food. Following a diet that is plentiful with skin cancer prevention food can not only stave off skin cancer, but can also aid in fighting other cancers as well as diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Antioxidants work by reducing the energy of free radicals and by possibly stopping free radicals from forming within the body. Antioxidants also stop the oxidizing chain reaction, which in turn minimizes the damage caused by free radicals.
According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the following foods are highest in cancer-fighting anti-oxidants:
- Red Kidney Beans
- Blueberries
- Pinto Beans
- Cranberries
- Artichoke Hearts
- Blackberries
- Prunes
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Pecans
- Cherries
- Plums
- Russet Potatoes
- Black Beans
Antioxidants can also be found in poultry, fish, and grains. If adequate antioxidants cannot be consumed through diet, it is possible to find over-the-counter antioxidant supplements. The best antioxidant supplements are included with a multivitamin, as many vitamins are also thought to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Other foods that are said to be specifically helpful in fighting cancer are:
- Avocadoes
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Chili Peppers
- Figs
- Flax
- Grapefruits
- Jalapenos
- Kale
- Lemons
- Licorice Root
- Mushrooms
- Nuts
- Olive Oil
- Oranges
- Papayas
- Raspberries
- Red Wine
- Rosemary
- Seaweed
- Soy
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tapioca
- Tomatoes
- Tumeric
- Turnips
Green tea is also said to be a great source of antioxidants. Daily consumption of brewed green tea can help to prevent the occurrence of skin and other types of cancers. Black tea is also highly touted as a cancer fighting beverage. Adequate consumption of water, at least 64 ounces each day, is also thought by some to aid in the fight against developing skin cancer.
The best way to be sure that you are eating a diet rich with skin cancer prevention food is to make sure that you consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Avoid over-indulging in red meats and gain protein from beans and nuts. You can also season foods with spices such as garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and oregano, which are all reputed to contain cancer fighting properties.
Along with a diet rich in skin cancer prevention food, it is wise to consider eliminating or drastically reducing the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Both alcohol and tobacco use have been linked to an increase in certain types of cancers, including skin cancer. Once this healthy lifestyle is established, you should also consider adopting a regular exercise routine that includes cardiovascular workouts. This type of exercise allows blood to circulate through the body more freely and is highly linked with a decrease in occurrence of cancer as well as many other diseases.