How often do you hear someone that you know has been diagnosed as cancer?
They are not alone. Cancer is now the second cause of mortality in the U.S., only second to heart diseases. Over 1.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer just this year, in 2008, (2008 is not even close to over yet!) according to
American Cancer Society.
But, don't despair! We can prevent and even fight cancer with the following powerful fruits and vegetables, according to
Cancer Cure Foundation.
That's right,
1/3 of cancers are directly related to diet alone and can be avoided! So, here's the list of fruits & veggies that can save your life.
(Note: Your best bet is to eat a variety of these foods. Also please refer to
9 Nutrition Tips to Disease-Proof Your Diet)
1.
Avocadoes:
- Rich in glutathione, a strong antioxidant that blocks internal absorption of certain fats
- More potassium than bananas
- Beta-carotene
- Prevents liver damage
2.
Broccoli, sprouts:
- Phytochemical sulforaphane, believed to aid in preventing colon & rectal cancer
3.
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower:
- Combats breast cancer by converting cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective one
4.
Carrots:
- A lot of beta-carotene, which helps reduce lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate, and breast cancers; falcarinol, which reduces the risk of cancer
- Raw carrots are your best bet to reap the most benefits
5.
Chili peppers & jalapenos:
- Capsaicin, which neutralizes cancer-causing substances
- Help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer
6.
Cruciferous vegetables:
- These include (but not limited to) broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts, cabbage
- Lutein & zeaxanthin, which help decrease prostate & other cancers
7.
Figs:
- Benzaldehyde, which is highly effective at shrinking tumors
- Vitamin A, C, calcium, magnesium, potassium
- Curtails appetite & improve weight-loss efforts
8.
Flax:
- Lignans, which blocks cancerous changes
- High in omega-3 fatty acids, protecting against colon cancer & heart diseases
- Yay flax grounds & cereals!
9.
Garlic:
- Immune-enhancing compounds that fight cancer & help break down cancerous substances
- Garlic, onions, leeks, chives lower risk of stomach & colon cancers
- Anti-bacterial against H. pylori
10.
Grapefruits, oranges, & other citrus fruits:
- Helps prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body
- Vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid
11.
Grapes, red:
- Bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that prevents cancer
- Resveratrol & ellagic acid, inhibiting the enzymes that stimulates cancer growth
12.
Green & yellow leafy vegetables:
- Helps fight stomach cancers
13.
Kale:
- Indoles, which helps stop conversion of cancerous cells
- Phytochemicals that suppresses tumor growth & block them
14.
Licorice root:
- Glycyrrhizin, which may help prevent the growth of prostate cancer
- Note: Consume in moderation, since excessive intake of licorice root can cause elevated blood pressure
15.
Mushrooms:
- Include shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor mushrooms
- Builds immunity
- Lectin, attacking cancerous cells & preventing them from multiplying
16.
Nuts:
- Suppress the growth of cancers
- Some nuts, i.e. brazil nuts have selenium, which fights prostate cancer
17.
Oranges & lemons:
- Limonene, stimulating cancer-killing immune cells
18.
Papayas:
- Vitamin C
- Folacin, which minimizes cervical dysplasia & certain cancers
19.
Raspberries:
- Vitamins, minerals, plant compounds & antioxidants that may protect against cancer
20.
Red wine (non-alcoholic):
- Polyphenols & resveratrol that may protect against various types of cancer
21.
Rosemary:
- Detoxifies enzymes
22.
Seaweed & other sea veggies:
- Beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones
- Fights against breast cancer
- High concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine
23.
Soy products like Tofu:
- Helps prevent both breast and prostate cancer
24.
Sweet potatoes:
- Many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene
25.
Teas: Green & Black tea:
- Polyphenols, which prevent cancer cells from dividing
- Dry green tea leaves reduce the risk of cancer of the stomach, lung, colon, rectum, liver and pancreas
26.
Tapioca27.
Tomatoes:
- Lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks cancer triggers
- Note: Cooking tomatoes with oil (gasp!) actually increases these antioxidants & absorbs them better than eating them raw.
28.
Tumeric:
- Helps fight inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer
(Source:
Cancer Fighting Foods and Spices)
For more info, please refer to:
Nature's Cancer Fighting Foods 
