Lung cancer originates in the spongy tissue of the lining of your lungs, and is often accompanied by a poor prognosis. MayoClinic.com notes that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and usually develops because of cigarette smoking. If you have smoked in the past, or have been around second-hand smoke for many years, eating yellow-green vegetables may help prevent it from forming. Add these foods to your daily diet to begin reaping these benefits.
Leafy Greens
All leafy greens in any yellow and green hue contain beta-carotene, one of the the most beneficial nutrients for preventing lung cancer, notes Jean Carper, author of "Food: Your Miracle Medicine." Adding these types of foods to your daily diet can help you get more beta-carotene, which may decrease your risk of developing lung cancer. MayoClinic.com suggests that beta-carotene should come from food rather than from supplements, which may actually increase the cancer risk for smokers.
Brussels Sprouts
Resembling small heads of cabbage, Brussels sprouts are a yellow-green vegetable that also contain a healthy dose of beta-carotene. The antioxidants in Brussels sprouts also work to block the damage done by carcinogens, such as cigarette smoke. This protects your DNA from the changes that can lead to lung cancer. Steam a few Brussels sprouts as a side dish for your evening meal and you may be doing something healthy and preventative for lungs.
Broccoli
Not only is broccoli packed with fiber and potassium, it is also one of the most effective vegetables for the fight against cancer, including lung cancer. Broccoli contains antioxidants that help prevent the formation of cancer in your lungs, but also helps prolong the life of someone already diagnosed with lung cancer. Broccoli also works to block the activity of free radicals caused by carcinogens such as cigarette smoke so your DNA is less likely to change and allow cancer to form.
Cabbage
Cabbage offers protection from lung cancer for the same reasons as Brussels sprouts and broccoli. The antioxidants help block DNA damage done by the carcinogens in cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke. These same antioxidants may also inhibit the formation of malignant tumors in the lungs. A side of sauteed cabbage with onions is one way to add this beneficial food to your diet. Cabbage can also be added to vegetable soup, stew or pasta sauce.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Lung Cancer; November 2009
- American Lung Association; Lung Cancer
- "Food: Your Miracle Medicine"; Jean Carper; 1994
- The Cancer Project; Diet and Cancer Research
