Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

(Jeff_L) #1
diet and cancer 379

FOODS THAT SUPPLY CANCER-FIGHTING SUBSTANCES

Cancer-Fighting Substance Cancer-Fighting Actions Food Sources
calcium reduces the irritation bile and fatty acids broccoli, bok choy, kale, milk, yogurt, cheese,
cause in the gastrointestinal tract salmon, legumes
particular benefit to reduce risk for
COLORECTAL CANCER


carotenoids (beta-carotene, block growth of cancer cells carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash,
lutein, zeaxanthin) particular benefit to reduce risk for apricots, bell peppers, corn, spinach
LUNG CANCERand CERVICAL CANCER


catechins neutralize free radicals GREEN TEA, grapes, wine, chocolate


flavonoids protect DNA, neutralize free radicals carrots, citrus fruits, onions, apples, tomatoes,
blueberries, broccoli, soybeans and soybean
products


folate (folic acid) essential for DNA synthesis and repair beets, broccoli, cabbage, legumes, spinach,
avocados, turkey, asparagus


indoles block the actions of carcinogens to cause cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy,
cells to mutate cabbage, broccoli
particular benefit to reduce risk for BREAST
CANCERand PROSTATE CANCER


lignans maintain cell health flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, whole grains,
particular benefit to reduce risk for breast pumpkin seeds, cranberries, green tea,
cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate black tea
cancer


lycopenes particular benefit to reduce risk for prostate tomatoes, tomato sauce, pink grapefruit,
cancer guava, watermelon


soy isoflavones block tyrosine kinase, an enzyme that fresh soybeans, tofu, soy flour, soy-based
promotes cancer cell proliferation foods
particular benefit to reduce risk for
HORMONE-DRIVEN CANCERS(breast cancer,
prostate cancer, OVARIAN CANCER, and
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER)


vitamin C ANTIOXIDANTthat neutralizes free radicals citrus fruits, strawberries, red cabbage, bell
blocks conversion of nitrates peppers, kiwi fruit, mangoes
blocks cancer cells from dividing and
proliferating
particular benefit to reduce risk for ESOPHAGEAL
CANCERand STOMACH CANCER

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