fbpx

30+ Cancer-Fighting Foods

Last month, the idea that cancer is a victim’s disease and that people are powerless to prevent it received yet another blow.

A World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) analysis of 99 studies and nearly 30 million people with colorectal cancer gives clear evidence that deep nutrition is a major weapon in the human arsenal against cancer.

It’s just the latest in a long line of scientific studies that prove that people who want to reduce their cancer risk can do so by eating nutrient-dense foods.

Ready to pack your fridge, pantry, and garden with cancer-fighting foods?

The foods on this list are a great place to start:

  • Whole Grains: According to the WCRF/AICR report, whole grains contain a veritable cornucopia of anticancer properties—from dietary fiber that can, among other things, help prevent insulin resistance, to a variety of compounds such as selenium, lignans, and vitamin E that “have plausible anti-carcinogenic properties.”1)http://www.wcrf.org/sites/default/files/CUP%20Colorectal%20Report_2017_Digital.pdf
  • Green Foods: Chlorophyll-rich foods like wheatgrass, spirulina, and arugula help purify the blood and detoxify the system. There is also evidence that chlorophyll may block the carcinogenic effects of certain cancer-causing chemicals.2)http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/chlorophylls/index.html#biological_ activity
  • Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain glucosinolates, which the body breaks down into indoles and isothiocyanates, known cancer-fighting compounds.3)https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet
  • Nuts and Seeds: Powerhouses of micronutrients, nuts and seeds also contain healthy fats that improve the bioavailability of cancer-fighting nutrients in other foods. In fact, if you pair them with green vegetables, you’ll absorb 10 times more anticarcinogens than you would if you ate your veggies alone.4)https://tv.greenmedinfo.com/top-5-cancer-prevention-foods-dr-joel-fuhrman In addition, flaxseeds and sesame seeds contain cancer-fighting lignans, and black sesame seeds are filled with antioxidants.
  • Garlic: If you’ve read the TGN e-book Garlic: Your First Home Medicine, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that garlic is believed to have anticancer effects, especially on cancers that affect the digestive system.5)https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/garlic-fact-sheet
  • Onions: According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, best-selling author of Eat to Live, consuming lots of onions can cut a person’s risk of getting major cancers—including breast, colon, prostate, and ovarian—by 50 to 70 percent.6)https://tv.greenmedinfo.com/top-5-cancer-prevention-foods-dr-joel-fuhrman
  • Mushrooms: No need to spring for the fancy mushrooms to benefit from the anticancer properties of these fungi. Even the less expensive, more widely available white, cremini, and portobello mushrooms can reduce inflammation, slow the growth of cancer cells, reduce the risk of breast cancer by blocking the production of estrogen—and the list goes on and on!7)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-fuhrman-md/gombbs_b_996352.html
  • Berries: Blackberries and blueberries have powerful antioxidant properties. Among other life-giving benefits, they help prevent DNA damage and hinder blood supply to growing cancer cells.8)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-fuhrman-md/gombbs_b_996352.html
  • Tomatoes: These lycopene-rich fruits also contain the carotenoids alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lutein, plus vitamin E, vitamin C, and potassium. Eat them with healthy fats to increase your body’s ability to absorb tomatoes’ cancer-fighting phytochemicals by two to 15 times.9)https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/ohio-state-research-fat-in-avocado-helps-body-absorb-convert-vitamin-nutrients
  • Olives and Genuine Olive Oil: Olives contain an abundance of antioxidants, including squalene and terpenoids.10)http://journals.lww.com/eurjcancerprev/Abstract/2004/08000/Olives_and_olive_oil_in_cancer_prevention.12.aspx Olive oil has similar cancer-fighting properties, but if it’s imported, make sure it’s genuine. Several studies within the last few years have shown that a large number of imported “olive oils” are fake or adulterated in some way.11)https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/04/olive-oil-real-thing
  • Seaweed: With its incredible mix of micronutrients, seaweed is full of the deep nutrition that keeps a body healthy and fuels its fight against cancer. In Chinese medicine, it has long been used to soften hardened tumors.12)http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/preventing-and-reversing-cancer-naturally-anticancer-diet-shopping-list
  • Turmeric: Chemical compounds in turmeric, known as curcuminoids, are anti-inflammatory and neutralize the free radicals that can cause DNA damage.13)https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/turmeric
  • Green Tea: Filled with antioxidants, green tea has powerful anticancer properties. It’s been shown to prevent several types of cancer in animal studies, as well as to considerably slow the growth of cancer cells.14)http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/preventing-and-reversing-cancer-naturally-anticancer-diet-shopping-list
  • Black Pepper: Piperine, a compound found in black pepper, fights cancer at the cellular level and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well. In addition to its standalone cancer-fighting properties, it also seems to improve the bioavailability of the anticancer compounds in substances like turmeric and green tea.15)http://www.aicr.org/cancer-research-update/august_21_2013/CRU_spices_cancer_prevention.html
  • Mistletoe: Studies indicate that mistletoe extracts may trigger a cancer-fighting response in the immune system, in addition to improving symptoms and reducing side effects in cancer patients.16)https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/mistletoe-european
  • Magnolia Bark Extract: Magnolia bark extract contains compounds that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in animal studies and in the lab. While it has not been evaluated through clinical trials, this herb is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.17)https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/magnolia-officinalis
  • Rosemary: This fragrant herb helps prevent DNA damage and keeps cancer cells from proliferating.18)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6344840_Anti-proliferative_and_antioxidant_properties_of_rosemary_Rosmarinus_officinalis
  • Chili Peppers: Capsaicin, the same compound that makes chili peppers hot, has been shown to significantly slow the growth of prostate cancer tumors in mice. In fact, it caused 4 out of 5 cancer cells to self-destruct in a process called apoptosis.19)https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/About-Us/News/News-Releases-2006/Pepper-Component-Hot-Enough-To-Trigger-Suicide-In-Prostate-Cancer-Cells-.aspx
  • Pomegranate: Juice from pomegranate seed pulp has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Laboratory studies have shown it to prevent the growth of cancer cells, and results of a human study suggested it has both preventative and therapeutic effects against cancer.20)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16192356
  • Beans, Peas, and Lentils: These nutrient-dense carbohydrates offer a plethora of health benefits, from stabilizing blood sugar to lowering cholesterol. Filled with fiber and resistant starch, intestinal bacteria ferment them into cancer-fighting fatty acids.21)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-fuhrman-md/gombbs_b_996352.html

You’ve probably noticed that almost all of the foods on this list would be considered a normal part of a nutritious diet.

In fact, the best diet you can eat to reduce your risk of cancer is the one you’re probably already trying for: rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats and proteins.

As you combine a deeply nutritious diet with other cancer fighters like exercise and low levels of stress and environmental toxicity, you’ll be taking your health into your own hands—and that’s exactly where it belongs.

Watch The 3-Day Live Broadcast, Starting October 5:   “The Truth About Cancer – LIVE!”

Want to learn more about preventing and/or treating cancer from the world’s foremost experts?

We want to mention that we’ve received word that our friend, Ty Bollinger, is hosting his critically acclaimed health summit:

“The Truth About Cancer – LIVE.”

… Starting October 5 at 8:30 a.m. EST.

And you’re invited to watch the live broadcast of this 3-day event for FREE.

Experts will be sharing their most advanced, front-line information about healing and preventing cancer and other chronic diseases…

Register early to make sure you get a spot.

Click Here To Register To Attend.

(Visited 1,273 times, 1 visits today)

References

References
1 http://www.wcrf.org/sites/default/files/CUP%20Colorectal%20Report_2017_Digital.pdf
2 http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/chlorophylls/index.html#biological_ activity
3 https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cruciferous-vegetables-fact-sheet
4, 6 https://tv.greenmedinfo.com/top-5-cancer-prevention-foods-dr-joel-fuhrman
5 https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/garlic-fact-sheet
7, 8, 21 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-fuhrman-md/gombbs_b_996352.html
9 https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/ohio-state-research-fat-in-avocado-helps-body-absorb-convert-vitamin-nutrients
10 http://journals.lww.com/eurjcancerprev/Abstract/2004/08000/Olives_and_olive_oil_in_cancer_prevention.12.aspx
11 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/jan/04/olive-oil-real-thing
12, 14 http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/preventing-and-reversing-cancer-naturally-anticancer-diet-shopping-list
13 https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/turmeric
15 http://www.aicr.org/cancer-research-update/august_21_2013/CRU_spices_cancer_prevention.html
16 https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/mistletoe-european
17 https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/magnolia-officinalis
18 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6344840_Anti-proliferative_and_antioxidant_properties_of_rosemary_Rosmarinus_officinalis
19 https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/About-Us/News/News-Releases-2006/Pepper-Component-Hot-Enough-To-Trigger-Suicide-In-Prostate-Cancer-Cells-.aspx
20 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16192356
Tags: , ,

Categorised in: , , , ,

This post was written by Merin Porter

COMMENTS(14)

  • Barbara Sumerwell says:

    Thanks! This is indeed a list of the foods most of the truly health aware plant-based diet community is already eating, with a few surprising extras, mistletoe and magnolia bark. I hope people note that a major goal in fighting cancer (or other diseases) is boosting the body’s natural immune system, not suppressing it as conventional Western medicine is always doing.
    I have one fact check to mention; spinach is not a cruciferous vegetable. The crucifers are in the Brassicaceae family and spinach is in the Amaranthaceae family.

    1. Merin Porter says:

      Thanks, Barbara! I got that tidbit about spinach being cruciferous from a doctor–but looks like I should have checked with a botanist, instead! I have updated the article. Definitely aiming for accuracy here! 🙂

  • Zabelisa says:

    Sadly, I cannot digest many of these foods… Whole grains? Not all nuts and seeds are equal. Have problems with raw onions, garlic and tomatoes. Many berries also a problem. All MUST be organic. There is no mention of that.

    1. mrs j says:

      check into Dr Gundry’s book “the Plant Paradox” ….not your fault these cant be digested. Organic is good but need tom find out how to get around the digestion problem and his book informs this important info. also reversal of auto-immune issues.

  • Thank you Marjorie for all of this “GREAT” information! Preventing cancer is the best. I’d love to see scripture incorporated along with the ‘good foods.’

    Blessings

    Margaret S c h o e n e c k
    Garfield, MN 56332

  • Cheri Woods says:

    This is a great beginner article. It would be even better if there were a way for one to print out the 30 foods list by itself. That list would serve nicely as a guideline for people new to this concept, and as a good reminder when shopping for, or preparing, food. Also, the mention of lacto-fermentation would help those with digestive issues who may not currently be healthy enough to consume these foods in their raw or cooked states. Thanks!

  • Frank Fredenburg says:

    This list doesn’t have 30 foods. It has 20. Maybe you have to watch the show to find out the other 5.

  • Fantastic and encouraging article that food is the best medicine!

  • Sabreena says:

    Someone needs to learn how to count, seriously…. On another note, how do you know seaweed is safe considering the horrific amount of radiation that is being leached into the sea, enough so that the oceans are supposedly being decimated by it? I’ve yet to see a single source of seaweed doing testing for this very thing. Until I do, there is NO WAY I’m taking any of it.

  • Howdy very cool blog!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful
    .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?
    I’m happy to find a lot of useful info here in the post,
    we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.
    . . . . .

  • mrs j says:

    better get up to date with the foods recommended here………….inflammation is one of the primary causes of cancer and most of these foods believe or not cause it! yeah already read joel fuhrmanns book and bought ty’s quest for the cure re cancer…….but are you aware that lectins in all foods cause several harmful reactions within the body that start the cancer process as well as the auto-immune attacks on the human body? take a serious read on “The Plant Paradox” book by Dr Gundry before pushing these so-called “healthy” foods and it will be revealed how they ARE NOT! Most fruit is little more than candy and beans/legumes are worst lectin offenders………

    1. Margo B. Fitting says:

      I will be reading The Plant Paradox to see where this idea that natural, God given food is “bad” for us comes from. I simply do NOT believe that He would provide “un-healthy” foods to the people He created out of His unfathomable Love for us. Perhaps we need to go back to the beginning of humanity and read about what our GOD has given us. Pick up your Bible. Open & Read.

  • Donald Rittenhouse says:

    I go by my food allergy blood test.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.