Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer and leads to the most number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. To fight the risk of developing lung cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and changing dietary habits to include certain foods is proving beneficial, according to research. Both ongoing and past research is proving that certain naturally available plants, fruits, and vegetables have cancer-resisting chemicals that work on the cellular level in the human body. Here’s a list of some plant-based foods that are valuable additions to the diet as they help prevent lung cancer:

Spinach
Spinach is a superfood that has several health benefits and also helps prevent lung cancer. The compounds, minerals, and vitamins present in spinach complement its fiber content, making it a holistic food to be included in the diet. Spinach is rich in iron, folate, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and folate is an ester of the B vitamin that prevents lung cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally occurring compounds that act as an antioxidant that reduces cancer-causing substances in our body. Adding raw spinach in a salad or consuming it in the form of juice is best to retain its cancer-preventing ability.

Red peppers
Red peppers are hot and add a unique flavor to food. Among its many benefits, red peppers are one of the foods that help prevent lung cancer. The chemical compound capsaicin, which is present in red peppers, can stop lung cancer from metastasizing. Capsaicin is also found in cayenne peppers and red bell peppers, and it is beneficial in preventing this disease.

Garlic
Garlic is known for its strong flavor and is used in many cuisines around the world. Researchers in China have found an effective compound in garlic that makes it one of the foods that help prevent lung cancer. Flavonoids, an aromatic compound, prevents cell damage that leads to cancer, and selenium and sulfides are important compounds to fight cancerous cells.

Cruciferous vegetables
A wide variety of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, radish, horseradish, kale, cabbage, bok choy, and mustard seeds are among foods that help prevent lung cancer. These vegetables are packed with many vitamins, and they also contain the cancer-fighting phytochemical glucosinolates, which turns into isothiocyanate in the gut. Having said that, cooking can reduce or even remove these compounds from their natural state, so consuming these vegetables raw with salad dressings or sauces is best.

Berries
Berries like grapes, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are great sources of natural antioxidants, including phytochemicals, anthocyanin, phenolic acids, ellagic acid, and vitamin C. Blueberries and raspberries, in particular, are high in cancer-reducing compounds and antioxidants when consumed fresh. These compounds free the body of cancer-causing cells. Berries are high fiber and nutritious in many aspects, and including these foods that help prevent lung cancer can also promote holistic health. Even though berries are seasonal, they can be frozen to preserve their nutritional value for longer.