The 6 popular snacks that can cut risk of dying from cancer
IF you like loading your crisps with guacamole or enjoy a cheeky piece of dark chocolate after dinner, you’ll be glad to hear it could help fight cancer.
Scientists have found evidence that magnesium-rich foods are essential for the immune system, including battling cancer cells.
Magnesium is a mineral that humans need in order to stay healthy.
Without it, you would soon become tired and weak. A lack of the mineral could also be indicated by insomnia, PMS or restless legs.
But long term, a deficiency can put you at risk of weaker bones and chronic diseases like heart disease.
It’s found in foods that you may throw into your dinner, including spinach, wholemeal bread, rice, potatoes, salmon and legumes including black beans, lentils and kidney beans.
But you can get a daily dose with snacks including:
- Guacamole dip (avocados)
- Nuts (especially peanuts, almonds and cashews)
- Dark chocolate
- A banana
- Peanut butter on bread or with fruit
- Greek yoghurt
Researchers from the University of Basel, Switzerland, say that the level of magnesium in the body is an important factor in the body’s ability to stave off tumours.
In a new study, published in the journal Cell, they explain how T-cells need a sufficient amount of magnesium in order to work properly.
T-cells are a vital part of the immune system that fight everything from viruses to nasty cancerous tumours.
The findings could be important in the development of cancer treatments, the team said.
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But lead author Dr Jonas Lötscher says whether a regular intake of magnesium also reduces the risk of developing cancer needs further investigation.
“As a next step, we’re planning prospective studies to test the clinical effect of magnesium as a catalyst for the immune system,” Dr Lötscher said.