Cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal and disorderly proliferation of cells, which leads to the uncontrolled growth of a malignant tumor in a certain tissue or organ, according to the Colombian League Against Cancer.
Some of the most common cancers, such as breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancers, have a high chance of cure when detected early and treated according to best practices.
Additionally, according to the Pan American Health Organization, the burden of cancer will increase by approximately 60% over the next two decades, which will further affect health systems, people and communities.
The global cancer burden is projected to rise to about 30 million new cases by 2040, with the greatest growth in low- and middle-income countries.
For its part, the immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs that together help the body fight infections and other diseases, according to Medline Plus, the website of the United States National Library of Medicine.
Also, it should be noted that the immune system has many different parts, including:
- The skin: It can help prevent germs from entering the body.
- mucous membranes: they are the moist inner linings of some organs and body cavities. They produce mucus and other substances that can trap and fight germs.
- White blood cells: they fight germs.
- Organs and tissues of the lymphatic system: They include the thymus, spleen, tonsils, lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, and bone marrow. They produce, store, and transport white blood cells.
That said, there is a food that helps prevent cancer and boost the immune system and it is the mushroom, since the Alimente portal revealed that “a study by Penn State University (USA), published in ‘Advances in Nutrition ‘, determines that a higher consumption of these foods is associated with a lower risk of cancer”.
Likewise, the Portuguese health, nutrition and well-being portal Tua Saúde indicated that mushrooms help strengthen the immune system, since “they are rich in Beta-glucans in large quantities, which help increase the body’s defenses.”
Along the same lines, mushrooms provide fiber and are rich in B vitamins [niacina (vitamina B3), vitamina B6 (piridoxina) y cobalamina (vitamina B12)], but additionally they have nutrients, such as zinc, selenium, phosphorus and potassium.
Similarly, they have a high content of antioxidants, which is a great benefit for the skin, as it prevents premature aging.
That is why Mayo Clinic, a non-profit entity dedicated to clinical practice, education and research, revealed a recipe where mushrooms can be included and take advantage of all their benefits:
Roasted Wild Mushrooms and Asparagus (serving four)
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) asparagus, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- 2 cups morels or other mushrooms, quartered
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar.
- Grated peel of a lemon.
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Preparation
Put all the ingredients in a glass bowl or a large food bag that closes hermetically. Then mix well to combine and let marinate for one to two hours in the refrigerator.
Later, place in a non-stick oven tray and then put the pan over high heat and cook between two and three minutes. Next, turn the vegetables once or until lightly browned and done.