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Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre has been undergoing treatment in New York after being diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

While one can never be sure what can trigger the onset of this deadly disease, it is important to take necessary precautions to stay safe. There are certain food items that have anti-carcinogenic properties, and can help in keeping cancer at bay.

These herbs and spices from your kitchen cabinet can boost your immune system to keep the deadly disease at bay. Dr Manoj Kutteri, Director of Atmantan Wellness Centre, shares a list of ingredients that can help your fight the illness.

Also read: Know about metastatic cancer that Sonali Bendre has been diagnosed with

A number of studies have shown that curcumin (yellow chemical compound in turmeric) has got anti-cancerous properties. It has the ability to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. Curcumin inhibit growth of various cancer cells in bone, breast, brain, colon, stomach, bladder, kidney, prostate and ovary. It can also kill the cancer cells by apoptosis (a programmed cell death).

Ginger has been considered ten thousand times more powerful than chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. It is an anti-oxidant and a natural cancer fighter. The active compounds 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol exhibit anti-cancer properties against the gastrointestinal tract and helps in cancer cell death.

Garlic is another most important spice that is used in treating cancer. It has the ability to inhibit the production of cancer-causing properties, speed up the repairing process of DNA and to decelerate the proliferation of cancer cells.

Black pepper contains anti-oxidant piperine. A study conducted in Michigan's cancer institute concluded that the black pepper along with turmeric can prevent the growth of cancerous stem cells in breast tumours.

This aromatic herb used inn pizzas contain an active ingredient known as carvacrol, which is proven to be beneficial in treating prostate cancers. The oregano oil has the ability to selectively kill the cancer cells while leaving the healthy cells intact.