Broccoli is an anti-cancer superfood
Broccoli is one of the richest sources of sulforaphane which is known to reduce cancer risk.
The journal Future Oncology reported that broccoli and broccoli sprouts have a preventative effect against cancer. (12)
In one study, scientists found that a diet high in broccoli sprout consumption helped reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Anti-cancer properties in broccoli helped to inhibit the progression of cancer cells. (13)
Find out more about the amazing health benefits of broccoli as a superfood.
Cabbage has anticancer potential
Another cruciferous vegetable to include in a diet to prevent cancer is cabbage.
In one laboratory trial involving mice, scientists identified that cabbage contains the compound phytoalexin which has cancer-killing properties. (14)
Of course, it is good to remember that no single food or vegetable can completely stop cancer. However, regularly including generous portions of vegetables in your diet can help as a cancer-fighting tool.
Cabbage has many other health benefits which you can read in this article.
Brightly-Colored Vegetables are Great Anti-Cancer Foods
Vegetables that have vibrant colors are good foods that can help to prevent cancer.
Research published in the journal Advances in Nutrition reported that yellow, red, and orange, vegetables are rich sources of compounds that prevent cancer. Some of the best cancer killing vegetables are red peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots. These contain phytochemicals with antioxidant activity. (15)
Some studies have found that combining veggies and fruits from various color groups can help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. (16)
Tomatoes are among the best foods to prevent cancer
Tomatoes are one of the best lycopene foods to include in a cancer-killing diet.
A 2016 systematic review found that lycopene in tomato is linked to cancer prevention. Various studies have shown that increasing the number of tomatoes in the diet can help prevent prostate cancer. (17)
Other studies have shown that lycopene foods can help to reduce the risk of lung cancer in humans. (18)
According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, it is recommended to cook tomatoes for a few minutes, as cooking increases the bio-availability of lycopene which is better absorbed in comparison to tomatoes that haven’t been cooked. Adding a little bit of olive oil to cooked tomatoes will further increase the amount of lycopene absorbed in the body.
To help increase the effectiveness of some cancer healing foods, find out the best ways to prepare vegetables for cancer prevention.
Beets have a protective effect against cancer
Beets are another brightly-colored vegetable that has cancer-fighting properties. Research has shown that beets contain a compound called betanin that has chemo-preventive properties. Beetroot extract can help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer or help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. (19)
One study found that a beetroot and carrot juice drink could help to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. (20)
Further reading: Proven Health Benefits of Beets (Science Based).
Fiber Helps Reduce Cancer Risk
Cancer-killing foods should contain plenty of fiber to help prevent cancer in men and women.
One screening trial involving thousands of participants found a link between increased fiber intake and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. (21)
Other studies have shown that women in their 40s or 50s can reduce their risk of breast cancer by increasing their intake of fiber. (22)
You may help to prevent cancer by starting your day with a “cancer-fighting breakfast.” A 2016 systematic review of 43 studies found that consuming whole grain cereals could lower your risk of cancer by between 6% and 47%. However, not all studies found a link between increased fiber intake and cancer prevention. (23)
Some of the best sources of dietary fiber are apples, pears, green peas, Brussels sprouts, carrots, bran flakes, and oatmeal. You should also opt for whole-wheat spaghetti or brown rice to increase your fiber intake. (24)
Learn more about how fiber also helps to cleanse your colon and prevents many digestive issues.
Beans and Legumes are Cancer Fighting Foods
An anticancer diet should contain servings of lentils, peas, beans, or chickpeas because they help prevent cancer.
A case-control study found that increasing your legume intake can help lower your risk of certain cancers. The results of studies showed that consuming legumes can help prevent stomach cancer, kidney cancer, and colorectal cancer. (25)
The result of a meta-analysis of cohort studies in 2015 found that legumes such as peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in men and women. (26)
Increasing the consumption of legumes could also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. (27)
It is very easy to incorporate more legumes into a cancer prevention diet. For example, you can add lentils, beans, or black-eyed peas to stews, soups, salads, or as side dishes.
You can also make a delicious cancer-fighting superfood by creating a chickpea hummus dip. Chickpeas are a type of legume that have anticancer potential due to many bioactive compounds in them. (28)
Garlic and Onions are Foods that Help Prevent Cancer
Garlic and onions are among some of the best cancer-fighting foods to include in your healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.
The reason why garlic and onions can help to stop cancer is due to the sulfur compounds in them. Researchers have found that garlic and onions have cancer preventive properties and can help reduce your risk of developing cancer. (29)
The results from several studies have also confirmed that onions and garlic are foods that help prevent cancer. (30)
You can also learn more about the many health benefits of taking raw garlic and garlic supplements to prevent chronic diseases.
Did you know that there are many ways you can use onions for their health benefits? There is even some scientific evidence that onion juice can help boost hair growth naturally.
Berries are Cancer Fighting Superfoods
Make sure that you consume plenty of berries regularly if you want to help decrease your risk of cancer.
Berries are a nutritious food to include in a cancer diet because they contain flavonoids and other antioxidants. Research has found that berries help reduce inflammation, protect cells from DNA damage, and can kill off malignant cells. Some studies have found that berry juices can also lower the risk of cancer. (31)
Extracts from berries such as blueberries and mulberries have been linked to the reduction of colon cancer and prostate cancer. (32)
Blueberries help prevent cancer
Including plenty of blueberries in an anti-cancer diet is a good idea because they are packed full of antioxidants. Blueberries have compounds that help prevent oxidative stress damage to DNA in cells and also help kill off cancerous cells. (33)
The results of many studies have shown that blueberries are an anti-cancer fruit with health-boosting properties.
