One of the best ways to promote good health and to help protect yourself against cancer is through your diet. According to the American Cancer Society one third of all American cancer deaths may be diet related. Some of the foods on this list can help stave off cancer. Some inhibit cell growth or reduce tumor size.
1. Broccoli, Cabbage and Cauliflower
There is a chemical component in broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower called indole-3-carbinol. This compound can combat breast cancer by converting cancer-promoting estrogen into a more productive variety. Broccoli, in particular the sprouts, have a phytochemical called sulforaphane. This is believed to aid in the prevention of certain types of cancer including colon and rectal cancer. Sulforaphane promotes the production of certain enzymes that deactivate free radicals and carcinogens.
2. Carrots
Carrots have a ton of beta carotene. Beta carotene can help reduce the wide range of cancers including breast, prostate, bladder, intestine, lung, mouth, throat, and stomach. A substance in carrots called falcarinol has shown that it can reduce the risk of cancer. Studies have shown that isolated cancer cells grow slower when they are exposed to Falcarinol.
3. Kale
Like broccoli, kale has indoles. Indoles help stop the conversion of certain lesions into cancerous cells. Plus, kale has phytochemicals that may suppress tumor growth. They may also block cancer-causing substances from reaching their target.
4. Mushrooms
If you eat shiitake, Maitake, reishi, Agaricus Blazei Murill or Coriolus Versicolor mushrooms it can help you fight cancer. It does this because it has chemicals that help the body build its immune system. They also have a protein called lectin that attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have many anti-cancer properties. They have beta carotene, which is believed to protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.
6. Avocados
Avocados have an abundance of the powerful anti-oxidant gluthathione. Gluthathione attacks free radicals in the body by blocking the intestinal absorption of certain fats.
7. Chili Peppers and Jalapenos
Chili Peppers and Jalapenos have a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin is believed to neutralize a cancer causing substance called nitrosamines.
8. Figs
Figs have a derivative of benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors.
9. GrapeFruits
Like other citrus fruits, grapefruit contains monoterpenes. This is believed to fight cancer by flushing carcinogens out of the body. It also contains other cancer fighting substances like vitamin C, beta carotene and folic acid.
10. Grapes
Red grapes contain bioflavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that help prevent cancer. Red grapes also contain resveratrol which inhibits the enzymes that stimulate cancer cell growth. It also helps suppress the immune response.
11. Oranges and Lemons
Oranges and lemons contain limonene. Limonene stimulates the cancer killing immune cells called lymphocytes. They may also breakdown cancer causing substances. Oranges are good for teeth it helps to keep your gums healthy by strengthening blood vessels and connective tissues. Vitamin C in oranges may prevent or slow the progression of gingivitis, you can consider oranges as a better way to save on dental care.
12. Papayas
Papayas have a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that reduces the absorption of cancer causing nitrosamines. They also contain folic acid. Folic acid minimizes cervical dysplasia which is a cause of cervical cancer.
13. Raspberries
Raspberries contain a substance called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is an antioxidant that may help protect against cancer. Raspberries have more cancer preventing properties than blueberries and strawberries.
14. Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain lycopene. Lycopene attacks free radicals that are believed to trigger cancer. Studies have shown that eating more lycopene has been linked to a reduction in the risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer. They also have vitamin C which prevents cell damage that can cause cancer.
15. Seeds and Nuts
Flax seed contains lignans that may have an antioxidant effect, which either blocks or suppresses cancerous changes in cells. Flax also has an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which is believed to protect against colon cancer. Nuts also have antioxidants that suppress the growth of cancer.
16. Garlic
Garlic contains immune boosting allium. Allium is believed to increase the activity of the immune cells that fight cancer and it indirectly helps break down substances that cause cancer.
17. Rosemary
A study showed that an extract of rosemary called carnosol helps inhibit the development of breast and skin tumors in animals.
18. Red Wine
With or without alcohol red wine has polyphenols that helps protects against a variety of cancers. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, which help fight free radicals
19. Soy
Soy products contain phytoestrogens, which are nonsteroidal estrogens that can prevent both breast and prostate cancer by suppressing and blocking cancerous changes.
20. Green and Black Tea
Tea contains the antioxidants called polyphenols. Polyphenols are believed to prevent cancer by preventing cancer cells from dividing.
21. Seaweed
Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta carotene, protein, fiber, vitamin B12, chlorophyll and chlorophylones. Chlorophylones are fatty acids that help fight breast cancer.