Scientists have found links between food and medical conditions that have impacted how people eat. There are even possible links between food and cancer.  Whether you are worried about cancer prevention or the recurrence of the disease, there is a food link to each. 

Broccoli

You have probably heard about all of the different health benefits of eating broccoli, but what you might not have realized is how it can possibly help protect you against head and neck cancer. Researchers found that extracts from broccoli sprouts helped to inhibit the development of cancer in mice.

Researchers plan to further study the potential of broccoli to lower your chances of developing head and neck cancers. This is especially important if you are exposed to carcinogens and pollutants on a regular basis. 

Turmeric

If you use turmeric in your cooking, you could be inadvertently lowering your risk of developing oral cancer. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Curcumin seems to suppress activity by the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

The virus is one of the top risk factors for developing oral cancer. By suppressing how the virus manifests in your body, the possibility of cells being turned cancerous is lowered. 

Coffee 

Researchers in Sweden believe that the recurrence of breast cancer for women who take tamoxifen can be lowered by drinking coffee. Although they believe there is a link, the researchers are unsure exactly how coffee impacts breast cancer.

In the study, researchers discovered that women who consumed at least moderate levels of coffee a day, had a lower recurrence of cancer rate. Moderate is considered to be at least two cups of coffee a day.

Coffee has also been shown to be helpful in reducing the risk of developing liver cancer and heart attacks. 

Green Tea and Apples

Green tea and apples contain compounds called polyphenols. Polyphenols help to block a molecule that can work to trigger a molecule that not only helps with the formation of cancer, but is necessary for the progression of the disease. Green tea and apples can also help with lowering your risk of hypertension.

It is important to stress that focusing on what you eat is only one part of cancer prevention and treatment. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or at high risk for it, an oncologist (such as one from Sturdy Memorial Hospital) can help you develop a treatment plan that not only focuses on your diet, but other lifestyle changes you can make to have a healthier life.