Top 10 Cancer Fighting Foods

Most of us have heard the sage advice: "Eat your vegetables!" It turns out that the American Cancer Society advocates the same thing to prevent cancer that your mother probably did by maternal instinct. Of foods that fight cancer, veggies are technically only 3 out of 10, unless we are counting the tomato for the argument, but it's the spirit of the statement that makes it correct. And now the top 10:

Apples - "An apple a day..." contains small amounts of fiber, vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds, but the apple's true cancer fighting ability comes from it flavonoids: quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin.

Berries - Research has shown that berries fight cancer due to phytochemicals, ellagic acid and anthocyanin.

Broccoli Sprouts - contain sulforaphane, which can prevent breast and prostate cancer.

Garlic - Freshly minced garlic is a powerful cancer fighting food, reducing the risk of stomach, breast, and esophageal cancer by boosting the immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances.

Pineapple - Besides having the antioxidant vitamin C, pineapples have what is believed to be the breast and lung cancer fighting enzyme bromelain.

Pumpkin - Eaten regularly, in moderate amounts, beta carotene containing pumpkins fight cancer. Other foods that contain beta carotene include carrots, squash, red and yellow peppers, and sweet potatoes.

Soybeans - According to the Cancer Cure Foundation, phytoestrogens found in soy products could help prevent breast and prostate cancer. Genistein, also found in soy products, is said to be one of the most potent inhibitors of the growth and spread of cancerous cells.

Spinach - Is a cancer fighting food that contains powerful cancer fighting antioxidants said to prevent cancer of the liver, ovaries, colon, and prostate.

Tea - Antioxidants known as polyphenols appear to keep cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, but common black teas also contain the polyphenols. Herbal teas, according to The Cancer Cure Foundation, herbal teas do not show this benefit.

Tomatoes - Lycopene, which fights cancer triggering free radicals, is contained in tomatoes. Recent studies indicate that for proper absorption, the body also needs some oil along with lycopene.

Diet may account for 33% of all cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. Antioxidants and phytochemicals are found in many foods that fight cancer, including the top 10 cancer fighting foods. Variety is best, and one can find a cancer fighter for all tastes.

Sources:
Lee KW, Kim YJ, Kim DO, Lee HJ, Lee CY, Major phenolics in apple and their contribution to the total antioxidant capacity, PubMed.

Dena McDowell, MS, RD,Berries: Do They Prevent Cancer?, The Diet Channel

Phytochemicals, Phytochemicals.info

Cancer Fighting Foods/Spices, The Cancer Cure Foundation