MAINTAINING cervical health is a priority for many women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been identified as the cause of the majority of cervical cancer cases.
Quoting experts, the presence of a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate found in fruits and vegetables is believed to help fight HPV infection and reduce the possibility of cervical cells turning into cancer.
The following are the types of foods that are believed to help prevent cervical cancer:
1. Foods Rich in Flavonoids
Flavonoids, chemical compounds in fruit and vegetables, are thought to be a major defense once morest cancer. Fruits such as apples, asparagus, black beans, and vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, garlic, and lettuce, are good sources of flavonoids.
2. Eat Folate
Rich in folate, which is a water-soluble B vitamin, it is believed to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in individuals infected with HPV. Foods such as avocado, chickpeas, nuts, orange juice, strawberries, and romaine lettuce are good sources of folate.
3. Foods with High Carotenoid Content
Carotenoids, or sources of vitamin A, apart from being good for eye health, are also believed to help prevent cervical cancer. Oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are some examples of foods rich in carotenoids.
4. Cabbage Family Vegetables
Vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale and broccoli are known to have the ability to prevent cancer, especially cervical cancer. This is thanks to natural compounds such as indole 3 carbinol (I3C) which are found in these types of vegetables.
Also read: Positive HPV-DNA survivors are confirmed to still be able to get pregnant
5. Turmeric
The phytochemical substance known as curcumin in turmeric has been shown to protect the body from cervical cancer by inhibiting the activity of the HPV virus, the main cause of this cancer.
6. Foods Containing Ellagic Acid
Ellagic acid, a compound found in ellagitannin, is found in berries and red fruits such as raspberries. This compound has the ability to activate enzymes that help eliminate substances that cause cervical cancer and improve the immune system.
Adding these foods to your daily diet can be a proactive step in maintaining cervical health and preventing the risk of developing cancer. Let’s live healthy! (Z-3)
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