What foods protects against cancer?

Vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts and cauliflower - reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A US study was conducted on newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients who were then placed on a trial of fruit and vegetables for five years. It was found that while fruit was not protective, cruciferous vegetables did reduce the risk of cancer progression. Other foods with a beneficial effect on prostate health include: tomatoes, which contain lycopene, and plant sterols found in pumpkin seeds, the African potato and some vegetables.

A study involving 35,000 non-smoking, mainly vegetarian, Seventh Day Adventists found a reduced risk of lung, prostate, pancreatic and colon cancers. They also had a 25 per cent lower incidence of diabetes. High blood pressure and arthritis, and a 30 per cent reduced risk of heart disease. Vegetarians have a reduced risk of most cancers. Fruit and vegetable contain the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, as well as many other anti-cancer ingredients such as selenium, fiber, flavonoids, indoles, phenols, carotenoids, sterols, isoflavones, anthocyanidins and resveratrol. From this list it would seem to be reasonable to include a wide variety of vegetables in the diet.

Antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables protects against both stomach and large bowel cancer. In India, the low incidence of large bowel cancer can be attributed to a diet that is high in carbohydrates and natural antioxidants, such as turmeric, garlic and ginger. Garlic, in particular, is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

Grapes have strong antioxidant properties in the seeds and pth, which contain quercitin. Resverastrol, which is found in red grape skins, also has anticancer properties and helps to protect against heart disease. 

Together with a healthy liver, a healthy intestine is critical for cancer prevention. Improvising your digestion, avoiding constipation and consuming probiotics, plenty of fiber, as well as antioxidants, are all part of the overall plan. To reach the recommended 30 grams of fiber per day, you need to eat the equivalent of four slices of bread, a bowl of breakfast oats, as well as five fruits and vegetables.

Squalene found in olive oil has been shown in animal studies to inhibit colon, lung and skin cancers.

A new anticancer compound, as yet unnamed, has recently been found in mangoes. Mangoes, as with all yellow fruits and vegetables, also contain cancer-preventing carotenoids.