Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain sulfur-containing glucosinolates. During chewing and digesting, they break down into indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which prevent cell damage, inflammation, and tumour blood vessel formation (NCI).
They include alpha-linoleic (ALA) omega-3 fatty acids, which lessen breast cancer risk. Flaxseeds may reduce tumour growth in breast cancer patients, according to clinical investigations. Hint: Research reveals crushing flaxseeds makes their nutrients more bioavailable.
NCI: Tea reduces the incidence of colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, and lung cancer. Green tea is quite potent. It's full of cancer-fighting polyphenols including epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin gallate. "EGCG may also hinder cancer cell blood vessel formation," says Dr. Mandal.
These sturdy leaves are another cruciferous vegetable, so they help prevent cancer. A cup of chopped kale contains more than a day's worth of antioxidants including vitamins A and C, which can scavenge free radicals and prevent cancer-causing cell damage.
One a day keeps the doctor away? According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, apple eaters had a decreased risk of lung and breast cancer (AICR). Don't forget the skin. The highest concentration of quercitin is found in the skin, explains R.D. Erin Palinski-Wade.
Anthocyanins, strong antioxidants, give blueberries their colour. Dr. Mandal explains that antioxidants prevent DNA-damaging free radicals from forming. AICR claims persons who eat more anthocyanins had less inflammation and oxidative stress.
Paler cousin of broccoli, cauliflower also fights cancer. So fill up often. Harvard researchers found that women who ate more than five servings of crucifers like cauliflower each week were less likely to suffer lung cancer.
A 14-study evaluation indicated that eating garbanzo beans regularly reduces colon cancer risk. Beans' fibres are digested by intestinal bacteria into inflammation-fighting short chain fatty acids. AICR says these acids may combat cancer.