Using Nutrition to Help Fight Cancer
When it comes to preventing cancer, there is no one superfood or magic bullet. There are, however, many
foods that can contribute to your overall health and have cancer fighting properties.
These foods help make up a primarily plant-based diet. All plants contain various minerals, vitamins and
substances called phytochemicals. Though much is still to be learned about these compounds and how they may
help in the fight against cancer, this list is a great place to start.
While this list is not all inclusive, it is a way to get started to eating a healthy diet in the New
Year.
TYPE OF FOOD |
IMPORTANT COMPOUND IN THE FOOD |
PROPOSED CANCER FIGHTING POTENTIAL |
Blueberries |
Phenolic Acid, anthocyanins, vitamin C |
May block carcinogens. |
Carrots |
Beta-carotene |
Antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, enhance immune response. |
Tomatoes |
Lycopene, vitamin C |
May decrease prostate cancer and macular degeneration. |
Oranges |
Flavonoids and vitamin C |
May enhance the immune system as well as have antioxidant activity. |
Broccoli |
Sulforaphane and indoles |
Indoles may protect against hormone-sensitive cancers. |
Broccoli |
Sulforaphane and indoles |
Indoles may protect against hormone-sensitive cancers. |
Spinach |
Indoles and folic acid |
Folic acid is linked to cancer and heart disease prevention. |
Black beans |
Protein, fiber |
Insoluble fiber in beans may fight cancer as well as lower blood sugar and cholesterol.
The soluble fiber promotes regularity. |
Grains |
Selenium, fiber |
Selenium is an antioxidant and may block action of carcinogens. Fiber helps with
regularity and adds to a feeling of fullness. |
Basil |
Monoterpenes |
Basil and other culinary herbs have antioxidant activity and inhibit carcinogenesis and
cholesterol production. |
Garlic
(Study results based on the food, not supplement varieties.) |
Allium as well as other minerals and vitamins |
May stimulate the production of detoxifying enzymes which help excrete carcinogens from
the body, lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and blood pressure; may stimulate the immune system.
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To read more about the cancer fighting properties of phytochemicals you may want to obtain The Strang
Cancer Center Prevention Center Cookbook or explore the JKKC web site for more delicious recipes. If you would like a refrigerator magnet of this
chart, call 215-829-6560.
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