There are many factors that lead to the development of cancer – from environmental factors like pollution, to genetic predisposition to certain forms of cancer, to lifestyle choices like smoking, it can seem like cancer lurks around the corner of every decision we make today.
Many people with family histories of the disease are opting for radical preventative measures; women who, like actress Angelina Jolie, carry the BRCA-1 gene (putting them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer), often opt for preventative mastectomies rather than risk keeping their natural breasts only to potentially lose them to cancer.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent cancer or at least reduce your risks, and some of them may be as close by as your spice rack, according to new research.
Eating healthy certainly has an impact on your inclination towards diseases like cancer, but according to scientists, incorporating certain spices into your diet can take you a step further in terms of cancer prevention.
The true standout among these spices is turmeric, a popular spice used in Indian cooking. While turmeric is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory, it’s also a powerful antioxidant[1], and therein lies the key to its potent cancer-preventing abilities.
How Do Antioxidants Help?
In layman’s terms, they neutralize free radicals[2], which can cause cell damage that increases your risk of developing cancerous cells in your body. Used in cancer treatments to supplement chemotherapy, antioxidants have an important role to play in everyday cancer prevention[3]. What’s more, research has shown that even dietary antioxidants – ones you get from the foods you eat every day – can help prevent cancer from developing[4].
Turmeric’s antioxidant properties are no joke[5], which is why it’s highly recommended that if you’re concerned about your risk for developing cancer, you should make it part of your everyday diet, along with other antioxidants like black pepper, and fruits and vegetables which are high in vitamin C.
3-Ingredient Mix To Prevent Cancer
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil (fat is needed to help increase turmeric absorption)
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (enhances curcumin’s bioavailability[6])
Optional: You can replace the olive oil with coconut oil.
Instructions
Simply mix the 3 ingredients and drink. If that idea is unappealing to you, you can simply add this mixture to your meals. However you choose to add turmeric into your diet, it’s a good idea to get at least a tablespoon a day; turmeric is safe to consume even in high doses[7] and it’s relatively easy on the digestive tract as well.
The anti-cancer effects of turmeric and other antioxidant spices and foods show us that there’s no need to live in fear of developing cancer every day. While diet isn’t the only factor in determining who develops cancer, a healthy diet rich in antioxidants can go a long way towards prevention.