Antioxidants and You

10 Super Foods You Should be Eating to Avoid Cancer

Jul 18, 2009 Karel Kinnett

There are plenty of "miracle" cures on the market today, but did you know there are foods you can eat that will actually help prevent cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, "Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to cancer. " Antioxidant is an umbrella term that describes a number of different substances that stop free radicals in your body.

  • Tomatoes - Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may defend against prostate, lung, cervical and mouth cancer. Lycopene has also been shown to protect against heart disease. Lycopene can also be found in pink grapefruit.

  • Fish - Fish contains vitamin A, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help prevent prostate cancer. Salmon, mackerel and herring have the highest levels of these antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial to heart health and may prevent strokes.

  • Walnuts - Walnuts contain gamma tocopherol, an antioxidant that kills tumor cells and can prevent them from growing. Gamma tocopherol can also be found in cooking oil and soybean oil.

  • Spinach- Spinach contains beta carotene, another well-known antioxidant, that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.. Eating spinach may reduce your risk of skin, prostate, colon and ovarian cancer.

  • Strawberries - Strawberries contain anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that protect your DNA from cancer, prevent the spread of cancer cells, and may also boost insulin production. They have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food. Strawberries also contain ellagic acid, a compound that fights carcinogens.

  • Green Tea - Green tea contains catechin, an antioxidant that stops the growth of cancerous tumors, and can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.White tea has also been found to be effective at preventing colon cancer.

  • Cranberries - Cranberries also contain anthocyanins as well as phenolic acids and glycosides. These phytonutrients stop the growth of cancer causing cells and may prevent them in the first place. Cranberries have other helpful properties, such as preventing urinary tract infections and preventing plaque formation.

  • Kale - Kale has the highest amount of lutein, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast, colon and prostate cancer. Lutein is also known for promoting healthy eyesight.

  • Red Grapes - Red grapes contain the antioxidants, reservatrol and quercetin, which can protect against cancer, stroke and improves heart health. They also contain bioflavonoids, antioxidants that work to prevent cancer.

  • Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant that boosts your immune system and repairs DNA. They also contain selenium, another antioxidant that has been proven to prevent prostate cancer.
Sources

Cancer.org, "Lycopene"

NaturalNews.com, "Spinach Knocks Out Cancer and Boosts Brain Power"

TheFoodPaper.com, " Superfood Strawberries"

Mskcc.org, "Lutein"

Ific.org, " Antioxidants"

The copyright of the article Antioxidants and You in Nutrition is owned by Karel Kinnett. Permission to republish Antioxidants and You in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.