Cancer is a class of diseases marked by the uncontrolled growth of cells. Free radicals, thought to play a role in cancer development, are molecules that are missing a single electron; when they enter a cell, they pull electrons from the cell's molecules, damaging them. Foods or substances containing vitamins such as A, C and E are antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. With up to 30 percent of cancers linked to a poor diet, it is crucial to practice healthy eating habits, incorporating plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
Avocados
Not only are avocados an excellent source of vitamin E and full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, but they contain concentrated levels of the powerful antioxidant carotenoid lutein.
Cranberries
Certain compounds in cranberries, particularly proanthocyanidins, have been found to be toxic to lung, cervical, prostate, breast and leukemia cancer cells.
Cooked Tomatoes
Technically considered a fruit, tomatoes are a great source of fiber, as well as vitamins C, A and K. Tomatoes also contain high levels of lycopene, which has been shown to decrease the risk for developing colorectal, breast, prostate, endometrial, pancreatic and lung cancers.
Salmon
Salmon is among the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.
Barley
Packed with insoluble fiber and selenium, barley helps prevent breast cancer and colon cancer. Just one cup of cooked barley supplies 52 percent of the recommended daily value for selenium.
Cooked Carrots
Carrots are a known source of beta-carotene, a type of caratenoid.Consumption of foods rich in carotenoids has been linked with a 20 percent decrease in risk for breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a stellar source of selenium, and vitamins B2, B3 and B5. Mushrooms can reduce breast cancer by monitoring estrogen levels in the body.
Raspberries
With 50 percent higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, plus the presence of ellagitannins, a family of compounds almost exclusive to the raspberry, raspberries are one of the most powerful fruits for cancer prevention.
Collard Greens
These greens are packed with folate and vitamins A, C and K, as well as disease fighters such as lutein, zeaxanthin and isothiocyanatescollard greens. Collard greens function by detoxifying and reducing inflammation throughout the body and consumption can diminish risk for bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer.
Walnuts
Walnuts are another source of omega-3 fatty acids and also contain ellagic acid, a plant compound that detoxifies and traps carcinogens. Hardman and colleagues fed mice a diet whose human equivalent would be 2 ounces of walnuts a day and fed the control group a diet similar to many Americans' diets. They revealed that the group fed walnut had significantly lower incidence of breast cancer tumors, with the tumors being much smaller.
From LiveStrong.com.
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