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Last Updated: Jan 20, 2020
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Fight Skin Cancer With A Healthy Diet
Dr. GarimaGeneral Physician • 5 Years Exp.MNAMS (Membership of the National Academy) (Ophthalmology)
The nutrients that certain foods consist of can benefit your health in a number of ways. From keeping your blood pressure under control to giving you a healthier skin, eating well is the key to staying fit.
You must have often heard that, not spending too much time in the sun can help in preventing skin cancer. Well, that’s true, but did you know that the food you eat can also help in its prevention. According to Skin Cancer Foundation, each year, more than 3.3 million people get treated for skin cancer. So eating some foods that can keep it at bay is the best way.
Foods that can help prevent skin cancer include:
- Turmeric - Curcumin, the yellow pigment present in turmeric, can help stop the growth of melanoma skin cancer cells.
- Flaxseed - It consists of vital nutrients which can help in protecting your skin against cancer. Salmon, walnuts are a few other examples.
- Green tea: Green tea for skin cancer is very beneficial because it has a high concentration of the unique catechins, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and antioxidant properties that fights off free radicals from sun exposure. It also has polyphenols, plant compounds that may prevent cancer by limiting blood supply to cancer cells. The best green tea for cancer patients include Matcha, Sencha, Genmaicha, etc.
- Green vegetables - Green leafy vegetables are known for their amazing health benefits since time immemorial. A study has found that people who eat at least three servings of leafy greens like spinach per week reduce their risk of skin cancer in half.
- Fatty fish - Including fatty fish in your diet can shield you against melanoma as they contain the beneficial nutrient Omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, these kinds of fatty acids are considered to be best for consumption as unlike saturated fats, they don't increase your risk for certain types of cancer.
- Herbs - Including herbs in your diet can help in replenishing the minerals and vitamins that get depleted due to the action of the sun. According to experts, about 80% of your body's vitamin levels see a reduction when you stay under the sun for 30-45 minutes. Basil, parsley, and rosemary are a few herbs that possess cancer-fighting qualities.

