No single food can “kill” cancer on its own, but a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce cancer risk. A diet that includes foods like berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, tomatoes, green tea, and nuts is associated with lower cancer risk due to their antioxidants and other protective compounds.Â
7 types of foods to include in a cancer-fighting diet
- Berries:Â Contain phytochemicals and antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have shown potential anti-cancer effects in laboratory studies.
- Leafy Greens:Â Spinach, kale, and other greens are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, including carotenoids that can help boost the body’s defenses.
- Cruciferous Vegetables:Â Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are high in glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been shown to encourage the body to produce cancer-fighting enzymes.
- Garlic:Â Contains compounds like allicin that may help inhibit cancer cell growth and protect against cancer, particularly in digestive organs.
- Tomatoes:Â An excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that may help prevent certain cancers. Cooking tomatoes can increase the absorption of lycopene.
- Green Tea:Â Contains polyphenols and catechins, particularly EGCG, which have been reported to have tumor-shrinking and anti-angiogenic (preventing new blood vessel formation for tumors) effects.
- Nuts and Seeds:Â Walnuts, almonds, and other nuts contain a variety of beneficial compounds. Studies have shown that regular nut consumption is linked to a lower risk of overall cancer.Â
