Top 5 Cancer Fighting Food

Photo: woman.thenest.com

1.   Red fruits and vegetables (rich in lycopene): Tomatoes have the highest concentrations of lycopene, a substance more powerful than bete-carotene in attacking certain toxins that can trigger cancer in cells. The compound is also found in water melon and red peppers.

2.   Leek, Garlic and onion: More than 30 cancer fighting chemicals have been identified in garlic, onions and even scallions. A study at Penn state university showed that feeding rat fresh garlic blocked 70% of breast tumors. In humans, studies show that those who eat more onion and garlic are less prone to stomach cancer.

3.   Green leafy vegetables (rich in antioxidants): An Italian study indicates that dark green leafy vegetables can lower the risk of many cancers. Vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli and dark green lettuce are full of antioxidants, beta-carotene, and lutein. The darker the vegetables’ color, the higher in antioxidants it is.

4.   Yellow, oranges and red vegetables and fruits (rich in beta-carotene): One of the main cancers fighting substance is beta-carotene. It is found in deep green and brightly colored yellow, orange and red vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Fruit high in beta-carotene include apricots.

5.   Whole grain and Soy products: Studies suggest that people who frequently consume soy food have a lower cancer rate.  A 1995 study published in the New England journal of medicine found that replacing meat with soy protein cut cholesterol levels by an average of 10% and dangerously high cholesterol levels by 20% only a month’s time.

So start a new habit, eat five a day!