peas and beans, genstain in soybeans and isoflavones in
soymilk and tofu. Over the past 20 years, nutrition
scientists have consistently found that individuals that
eat greater amounts of vegetables and fruits have lower
rates of cancer. It has been only recently that the mech-
anism(s) by which phytochemicals assist the body in
resisting cancer have begun to be understood. The
phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables protect
the body by stunting the growth of malignant cells.
Investigators have only an inkling of how many phyto-chemicals exist and how they work. They are confident,
however, that an individual can get a basketful of anti-
cancer nutrients by mixing and matching at least five
servings a day of fruits and vegetables with seven or
more starchy or protein-rich plant foods such as grains,
peas and beans, and potatoes.
Supplements containing vitamins and minerals
can help an individual gain some of the benefits of
these substances. However, vitamin and mineral sup-
plements are not a total replacement for real food.Cancer-fighting foodsFoods Effects on cancer
Avocados May attack free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats; may be useful in treating viral hepatitis
(a cause of liver cancer)
Beans May prevent or slow genetic damage to cells, prevent prostate cancer, and lower the risk of digestive cancers
Berries May help prevent skin, bladder, lung, and breast cancers and slow the reproduction of cancer cells
Cabbage and cauliflower May slow cancer growth and development and help to reduce the risk of lung, prostate, and bladder cancers
Broccoli May prevent some types of cancer, including stomach, colon and rectal
Carrots May reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast
Chili peppers and jalapeños May prevent cancers such as stomach cancer
Cruciferous vegetables May help decrease prostate and other cancers
(broccoli, cauliflower, kale,
Brussels sprouts, and
cabbage)
Dark green leafy vegetables May reduce the risk of lung and breast cancer
Figs May shrink tumors
Flax May reduce the risk of breast, skin, and lung cancer
Garlic May increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances.
May help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. May render carcinogens in the liver inactive
May lower risk of a variety of cancers including stomach, colon, lung and skin
Grapefruits May prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body and inhibit the proliferation of breast-cancer cells in vitro
Grapes May inhibit the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response
Kale May help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues, suppress tumor growth, and
block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets
Licorice root May prevent the growth of prostate cancer
Mushrooms May help the body fight cancer and build the immune system
Nuts May suppress the growth of cancers
Oranges and lemons May stimulate cancer-killing immune cells like lymphocytes that may function in breaking down cancer-causing substances
Papayas May reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. May minimize cervical dysplasia
and certain cancers
Red wine May inhibit cell proliferation and help prevent cancer
Rosemary May inhibit the development of breast and skin tumors
Seaweed and other sea May help in the fight against breast cancer
vegetables
Soy products like tofu May help to prevent breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes
Sweet potatoes May prevent cancer cells from dividing, reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas, and
protect against various types of cancer
Tomatoes May combat prostate cancer and protect against breast, lung, mouth, stomach, and pancreatic cancer. May reduce risk of
breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer. May prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer.
Tumeric May inhibit the production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), which reaches abnormally high
levels in certain inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer
Whole grains May help decrease the risk of developing most types of cancer(Illustration by GGS Information Services/Thomson Gale.)Cancer-fighting foods