Oncologist reveals 5 cancer-reducing superfoods found in the Indian kitchen: Which of these do you already use daily?

Oncologist Dr Sudipto De highlights five Indian kitchen staples that possess cancer-preventing properties and are rich in various beneficial compounds.
On social media, you will find many self-acclaimed doctors or lifestyle coaches suggesting treatments or detoxes to reduce your risk of getting cancer, and they often cost a lot. However, many simple ingredients commonly found in Indian kitchens possess cancer-prevention properties.
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Dr Suidpto De, a skilled surgical oncologist and robotic cancer surgeon, revealed 5 items found in the Indian kitchen that have cancer-reducing properties in an Instagram post shared on September 9. Let's find out what they are:
5 cancer-reducing foods in Indian kitchens
Sharing the beneficial list of Indian foods or ingredients, Dr Sudipto wrote, “Your Indian kitchen isn’t just for cooking; it’s a pharmacy for cancer prevention.”
There are many ingredients in our Indian kitchen that can help prevent cancer, such as haldi (turmeric), rich in curcumin; garlic, which contains sulfur compounds; amla (Indian gooseberry), rich in vitamin C; tulsi leaves, rich in eugenol; and leafy greens, rich in folate.
These everyday foods are rich in natural cancer-fighting compounds. Let's learn more about these properties that the oncologist mentioned:
1. Haldi
Highlighting haldi as a cancer-preventing ingredient, Dr Sudipto wrote, “First and foremost is turmeric. It contains curcumin, which doctors are prescribing today, and not just for cancer prevention. Additionally, it is also being given to cancer patients who do not develop cancer in the future.”
2. Tomatoes
The second ingredient is lycopene in tomatoes. “This has been shown to directly prevent prostate and stomach cancer,” the oncologist shared.
3. Tulsi or Indian basil
The third ingredient is tulsi, as it contains eugenol, which may help prevent breast cancer, according to the oncologist.
4. Amla
The fourth ingredient is amla (also known as Indian gooseberry), which contains vitamin C and phytophenols. It helps reduce the risk of lung and breast cancer.
5. Spinach
The fifth ingredient is our leafy greens, such as saag /spinach. Per the oncologist, it contains folates and other chemicals, as well as fibre, which may help prevent not only colon cancer but also pancreatic cancer.
“So next time you feel like eating out, take a look in your kitchen. I'm not talking about super foods. These are normal, everyday foods that can help prevent cancer. Prevention starts with what you put on your thali,” the oncologist warned in the end.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORKrishna Pallavi PriyaKrishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More
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