Everyone knows that by quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your risk of lung cancer. But what many people don’t know is that the food you eat can also influence your risk of developing the condition. Did you know that there are a number of foods that help prevent lung cancer? Including them in your regular diet can almost definitively help you manage your overall health better and reduce your chances of getting cancer. If you cannot make them a part of your lunch or dinner, you can easily add them to your snack list instead. Here are a few smart snacking ideas of foods that help prevent lung cancer.
Snack on tossed vegetables
Vegetables are filling, nutritious, and a great way to reduce lung cancer risk. Some of the most well-known foods that help prevent lung cancer are cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and watercress. The isothiocyanate in these foods blocks the enzyme that activates cancerous agents in tobacco, making them great snacking options.
Pick a salad with tomatoes
Salads are great snacks especially when you’re not sure of when your next meal will be. When picking salads at a restaurant, pay attention to the dressing and pick a low-fat dressing. Also, ensure it has plenty of tomatoes. Tomatoes are a rich source of lycopene, which is a carotenoid that offers protection from lung cancer. Other foods that help prevent lung cancer for the same reason are watermelons, grapefruits, and guavas.
Snack on nuts
Nuts aren’t just a great source of energy, they’re also counted amongst the top foods that help prevent lung cancer. This is because nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Other foods that are rich in Vitamin E are mangoes, avocadoes, and wheat germ.
Always carry homemade snacks in your bag
Do not snack on packaged foods for as far as possible. Processed foods have a high sodium content that can increase the risk of lung cancer. Similarly, do not drink packaged juices as they have high sugar content. Instead, always carry a few homemade snacks with you. This ensures that you do not give in to the temptation of buying a packet of chips.
Eat an apple
Apples are a popular choice for a snack — they’re easy to carry and easy to eat on the go. According to some studies, apples can reduce this risk of cancer by as much as 50%. This is because fruits such as apples have high flavonoid content.
Sip on orange juice
Oranges are rich in folic acid and vitamin C, which have been found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of lung cancer. Thus, these fruits are always included in the list of foods that help prevent lung cancer. Freshly squeezed orange juice is a great way to get these benefits and curb hunger cravings. It also keeps you hydrated.
Choose whole-wheat bread for sandwiches
Foods rich in selenium have been found to lower the risk of lung cancer. Whole grains have high selenium content and hence should be included in your diet. Thus, when you’re looking for a mid-day sandwich, choose whole-wheat or multi-grain bread.
Maintaining a healthy weight also has a positive effect on reducing lung cancer risk. Along with eating right, it is also important to get fit. So balance your low-fat diet with regular exercise and enjoy increased levels of fitness!
