Garlic is one of the most prominent spices that can prevent cancer. According to research by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), garlic contains allicin - a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the growth of cancer cells. This research shows that garlic can help reduce the risk of stomach, colon, and lung cancer. Allicin also has the effect of activating the immune system, helping the body fight the formation and development of malignant cells.
Turmeric
Turmeric is highly valued for its cancer-preventing effects, especially its active ingredient curcumin. The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. A study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research also showed that curcumin helps prevent the growth of many types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Basil
According to the Mayo Clinic Health Center, basil is a spice rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamin C. These compounds help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals - one of the main causes of cancer.
Research from the British Cancer Research Organization shows that basil extract has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, while protecting DNA from harmful agents.
Kale
Kale is a vegetable rich in sulforaphane, a compound identified by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) as having cancer-preventing properties. Sulforaphane helps reduce the risk of cancers such as breast, prostate, and lung by inhibiting the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), which plays a role in the development of cancer cells.