8 Top Cancer Fighting Foods And Drinks

Recent studies suggest that a number of cancers can be avoided by consuming the right type of foods and drinks. Nutrients, especially antioxidants, that help in suppressing the scavenging activities of free radicals that are known to damage the genetic material of the cells, leading to development of cancer cells, help in lowering the risk of cancer. Foods that are concentrated sources of compounds known for their cancer fighting property should be added to the daily meals.

Here Are Some Top Cancer-Fighting Foods And Drinks:

1. Tomato

Tomato is a source of a potent antioxidant carotenoid called lycopene [1] . It helps reduce oxidative stress. Cellular oxidative stress induces chronic inflammation that tends to increase risk of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, the cancer tumor cells generate excessive free radicals that speed up cancer progression. Studies suggest that tomato products such as tomato sauce, ketchup or soup are more effective than raw tomato as a source of lycopene for fighting cancer especially prostate cancer.

2. Red Grapes

Red grapes are rich in resveratrol, a powerful anti-cancer agent . Its anti-inflammatory effect helps inhibit chronic inflammation. As an antioxidant, resveratrol helps quench the free radicals that are responsible for damaging the normal cells.

3. Green Tea

The anticancer property of green tea is attributed to its antioxidant catechins, especially EGCG [3] . Studies have shown that the antioxidant effect of EGCG is 120% stronger than vitamin C. In addition to the antioxidant effect of green tea on carcinogens, green tea is known to inhibit development of new blood cells that supply nourishment to the cancer tumors, thereby speeding up death of the cancer tumors.

4. Citrus Fruits

The flavonoids and vitamin C present in citrus fruits are responsible for their anti-cancer property [4] . Studies suggest that high intake of citrus fruits helps reduce risk of several types of cancers including cancers of the skin, lung, breast, stomach, pancreas and bladder. Citrus fruits seem to help in inhibiting progression of cancer and block the cancer cells from invading the healthy tissues.

5. Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprout is a concentrated source of cancer fighting compounds called sulforaphane [5] . Studies have shown that sulforaphane blocks the growth and progression of cancer tumors especially prostate, breast, bladder and cervix cancers. It is also known to stimulate detoxification that helps in eliminating carcinogens. While broccoli sprout is the richest source of the cancer fight sulforaphane, mature broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage are good sources of this cancer fighting compound.

6. Apple

The unique combination of phytochemicals makes apple an excellent food for fighting cancer [6] . The anti-proliferative activity of apple helps in inhibiting development of cancer tumors. The apple peel is especially rich in antioxidant compounds. To fight cancer, eat apples with peels as studies have shown that apple without peel is less effective in inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells.

7. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

To minimize risk of cancer, add some kind of dark green leafy vegetable to your daily meals [7] . They contain fiber, folate and various antioxidants. The carotenoids found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, mustard greens, kale, Swiss chard and lettuce help in inhibiting development of lung, skin, breast and stomach cancers. Folate rich diet helps in reducing lung cancer risk in smokers.

8. Nuts

Nuts contain at least five phytochemicals with anti-cancer property [8] . They are also rich in copper. Studies have found an association between copper deficiency and higher risk of cancer. Monounsaturated fats found in nuts are shown to reduce risk of breast cancer. Consuming nuts also seem to help in lowering risks of prostate, colon, lung and bladder cancers.