The Top 10 Foods for Preventing Cancer?

Answer 1

While no single food can prevent cancer, some foods give better protection than others against factors that increase the risk. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a shift in the traditional Western diet that places meat at the center of the plate. Instead, the organization recommends meals of 2/3 plant-based food and no more than 1/3 protein. When planning meals, ensure these cancer-fighting foods on are the menu.

Tomatoes

Colorful fruits and vegetables contain special nutrients that not only give each food its special characteristic color, but also provide essential compounds for good health. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which has been linked to the reduced risk of several types of cancer, most notably prostate cancer. Concentrated forms of tomato are the best sources, such as tomato juices, sauces, and pastes.

Grapes

Grapes and Grape Juice, particularly the dark colored varieties, contain resveratrol. This antioxidant may prevent the kind of damage that can trigger the cancer process in cells. Another good source of resveratrol is red wine, but be aware that excess alcohol consumption can negate the cancer-fighting benefit. (Cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and breast are all linked to drinking alcohol.)

Beans

There are several phytochemicals in beans that may protect the body’s cells against damage that can lead to cancer. A compound called inositol pentakisphosphate (also found in nuts and cereals) inhibits a key enzyme involved in tumor growth.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables that are members of the cabbage family, including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, kale, and of course cabbage, have a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C) that can detoxify carcinogens and possibly kill cancer cells. I3C may particularly help in the prevention of breast and prostate cancers.

Leafy Greens

Dark green leafy greens, such as mustard, turnip and collard greens, contain fiber, folate and carotenoids. These nutrients may help protect against cancer of the mouth, larynx, pancreas, lung, skin, and stomach. Eat your spinach!

Berries

Many berries contain antioxidants which may help fight cancer. Strawberries and raspberries contain ellagic acid, which may deactivate certain cancer-causing substances and slow the growth of cancer cells. Blueberries contain anthocyanin which was found in a study to be particularly beneficial against prostate and liver cancer.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are excellent sources of folate, important B vitamins that may help protect against cancers of the colon, rectum, and breast. They also contain fiber, which has been studied for its role in the prevention of colorectal cancers.

Green Tea

In laboratory studies, green tea has been found to slow or prevent the development of cancer in the colon, liver, breast, and prostate. It may also be beneficial in fighting lung, skin, bladder, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. Tea contains catechins which may selectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Water

Never thought of water as being a cancer-fighting nutrient? It may protect against bladder cancer. The lowered risk comes from the dilution of potential cancer-causing agents in the bladder. Frequent urination also lessens the amount of time that those agents are in contact with the bladder lining. Plus, switching sugary beverages for water can help lose weight by reducing overall calorie intake. Obesity is related to the development of many kinds of cancer.

Curcumin

Many spices contain powerful ingredients for health. Curcumin, the main ingredient in the Indian spice turmeric used in curry dishes, may suppress the transformation, proliferation, and invasion of cancerous cells. The substance is also an anti-inflammatory – inflammation is linked to many negative health conditions, including cancer.

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