Many foods rich in antioxidants (molecules that fight off cell-damaging free radicals) protect the body from cancer. But not all foods that prevent cancer are safe and affordable to consume every day. The ones that are, though, deserve a regular spot on the grocery list. Below are five top cancer-fighting foods to include in a daily diet for ultimate health.
Garlic – An Anti-cancer Food With Flavor
Flavorful and rich in antioxidants, garlic attributes its disease fighting ability to its sulfur content. Garlic’s allyl sulfides, in particular, help ward off cancer. In fact, the May 2010 Reader’s Digest reports that five cloves of raw garlic per week can cut the risk of colon cancer by 31%. But even a half clove of garlic daily is beneficial. One thing to note: Garlic that sits for a time after chopping (but before cooking) will retain its anti-cancer properties more effectively.
Green Tea – A Soothing, Cancer-Fighting Daily Diet Staple
Green tea, made from unfermented leaves, contains catechin polyphenols, antioxidants that help kill cancerous cells and stop their growth. Green tea has been shown to aid in the fight against a multitude of cancers, including those of esophagus, skin, stomach, and bladder. Two to three cups a day of this soothing liquid provides a good dose of catechins. Green tea supplements and extract are also available.
Flaxseed – Fiber and Lignans Offer Protection
Not only is flaxseed high in fiber, an important ingredient in cancer prevention, flaxseed’s lignans offer protection against cancers of the breast, prostate, and ovaries. Flaxseed can be purchased and conveniently consumed in any number of ways – through supplements, freshly ground seeds, or flaxseed oil – however, eating whole foods is generally recommended. Aim for one to two tablespoons of flaxseed every day.
Broccoli and Broccoli Sprouts – Powerful Foods That Prevent Cancer
While broccoli has long been touted as a superfood, recently researchers discovered that the compound sulforaphane found in broccoli and broccoli sprouts may actually help prevent and treat breast cancer by targeting cancer stem cells (something chemotherapies can’t do). Although previous studies have indicated that large amounts of broccoli need to be consumed daily for anti-cancer benefits, a 2010 University of Illinois study, reports Science Daily, suggests that eating less than one serving of broccoli per day will have an anti-cancer effect. Small quantities of the more concentrated broccoli sprouts will also provide anti-cancer benefits.
Pomegranates – A Polyphenol-rich Anticancer Food
The quality combined with the level of polyphenols in pomegranates and pure pomegranate juice give them a top billing compared to other polyphenol-rich foods. In addition, Reuters recently reported that an acid found in pomegranates blocks the enzyme aromatase, which can lead to cancers of the breast. Pomegranates aren’t always available year-round, but pomegranate juice is – and, though pricier than other juices, all you need is a four-ounce glass daily.
There are many more anti-cancer foods available to the consumer today; however, the above five rank high on the list of powerful cancer-fighting foods that are safe and affordable to eat every day. Make them a part of your daily diet – your body will thank you for it!
For more tips on cancer prevention, see The Ten Best Ways to Prevent Disease.
Sources:
The World’s Healthiest Foods, “garlic,” whfoods.org.
Allen, JoAnne. “Pomegranate Compounds May Ease Breast Cancer Risk.” Reuters, January 5, 2010.
University of Maryland Medical Center, “Green Tea,” umn.edu.
“Broccoli Component Limits Breast Cancer Stem Cells, Study Finds.” ScienceDaily, May 5, 2010.
“Fix It With Food: Cut Cancer Risk.” Reader’s Digest (Health), May 2010.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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