Top 10 foods to decrease risk of cancer (article)

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Top 10 foods to decrease risk of cancer

 

San Antonio Express-News

Web Posted : 08/20/2003 12:00 AM

 

There are many foods that are good for you and can

help decrease your risk of cancer. Just eat healthily

and in moderation, and enjoy the top 10 picks from the

National Foundation for Cancer Research.

 

1. Peppers, crisp, sweet and brightly colored, are a

great source of cancer fighting vitamin C, vitamin A,

folic acid and potassium.

 

2. Crucifers including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower,

collards, kale, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, mustard

greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips and watercress all

include powerful phytochemnicals that help stave off

cancer by stimulating protective enzymes, which block

carcinogens from entering cells and suppress tumor

growth.

 

3. Berries: Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and

strawberries are rich in vitamin C and folic acid and

are high in fiber and potassium. Berries also contain

phytochemicals and are strong antioxidants.

 

4. Water (mineral, spring and seltzer), and

decaffeinated tea are the best beverages to drink.

These drinks play a key role in digestion, nutrient

transmission and absorption, temperature regulation

and many other bodily functions.

 

5. Lycopenes are found in tomato-based pasta sauce,

tomato paste, ketchup and salsa and contain powerful

antioxidant properties. Lycopene has an apparent

ability to reduce the risk of prostate and certain

other cancers, and it plays a key role in the body's

defense against aging and many degenerative diseases.

Heating tomatoes is the key to breaking down the

fibrous material inside tomatoes and releasing the

lycopene.

 

6. Extra-virgin olive oil, which is mechanically

pressed without any heat or chemical alteration, is

one of the healthiest types of fat and includes

phytochemicals with antioxidants and vitamin E. Olive

oil may help prevent breast and colon cancer.

 

7. Apples, especially the peel, contain

cancer-fighting phytochemicals and have been proven to

inhibit the growth of both colon and liver cancer

cells.

 

8-10. Pumpkins, sweet potatoes and acorn squash have

been described as virtual battalions of

cancer-fighting carotenoids, particularly beta

carotene.

 

National Foundation for Cancer Research (www.nfcr.org)