Not everyone likes the taste of vegetables and there are fruits that many people don’t like either. Even though people know vegetables are good for them, especially without the cheese, they still prefer to eat fries and burgers.
Question is – are certain fruits and vegetables considered to be cancer-fighting foods? The answer is yes. Some foods do show cancer-fighting properties, though no one is saying if a certain food can actually stop or prevent cancer.
If that were the case, we would all be gobbling down a bowl of broccoli for breakfast every morning. Then top it off with a spinach smoothie. But the point is, a diet filled with fruits and vegetables is the key to avoiding diabetes, heart disease, and possibly some cancers.
A comprehensive study conducted by the World Cancer Research Fund indicates there are benefits to eating mostly plant-based foods. For example, garlic, berries, and broccoli showed some of the more promising links to cancer prevention.
In addition to being power-packed with antioxidants, they’re also low in calories, which together may help reduce your cancer risk.
5 Possible Cancer-Fighting Foods
So what foods should you start packing in right now that are considered cancer-fighting foods? Explore our 5 picks below that you’ll want to start eating plenty of right now.
1. Tomatoes
Due to its vibrant red color, a ripe, juicy tomato is hard to resist. They are also a possible defense against heart disease and prostate cancer. The lycopene; a powerful antioxidant, is most concentrated in tomatoes. Eating processed or cooked tomatoes provides the most benefit from lycopene. This is because the processing makes the cancer-fighting compounds more available to your body.
2. Broccoli
Now you know mom was right when she always told you to eat your broccoli. Along with its cousins, broccoli is most protective agains cancers of the stomach, bladder, lung, liver, mouth, colon, breast, prostate, head, and neck. This is according to the studies conducted by American Institute for Cancer Research, the World Cancer Research Fund and other studies.
3. Strawberries
Rich in antioxidants such as ellagic acid and vitamin C, strawberries and raspberries are loaded with antioxidants. Research suggests possible protection against memory decline, cancer, as well as heart disease. Eating fruits and vegetables likely decreases the risk of lung cancer. And according to the World Cancer Research Fund, they could prevent cancers of the throat, pancreas, esophagus, and larynx.
4. Garlic
Although you know you’re going to have sticky breath, garlic is super healthy. But guess what? The same compounds that causes that odor may also stop cancer-causing substances from forming in your body. Plus, kill cancer cells, and speed DNA repair. I guess we can say that the health rewards of garlic more than make up for its unique smell. Albeit garlic is the star of the allium family, scallions, leeks, onions, and chives might also protect against stomach cancer, per some research.
5. Spinach
Lutein is an antioxidant found in spinach which is good for your eyes. While research is not confirmed, but it might also help protect against cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and mouth. Enjoy spinach sautéed with garlic and olive oil, mixed into soups, in a salad, or steamed. To switch things up, alternate with romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, collard greens, or kale. But spinach is the superstar.
