Berries

Berries contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body.

All berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. They contain very high concentrations of phytochemicals called anthocyanins, which counteract, reduce and repair damage to cells and keep new blood vessels from forming (and potentially feeding a cancerous tumor), according to Gary D. Stoner, PhD, a professor of internal medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Stoner uses a concentrated berry powder in his studies but says a half-cup serving of berries a day may help your health, too. Berries are also brimming with other cancer-fighters such as vitamin C and fiber. Helps fight: colon, esophageal, lung, breast and skin cancers.

Red Grapes

Red grapes contain an antioxidant called resveratrol, which may be useful in keeping cancer from beginning or spreading. Lab studies have found that it limits the growth of many kinds of cancer cells.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, Kale, Bok Choy, Cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates which in turn are converted into a number of chemicals which may have anti cancer properties.

All cruciferous veggies (think cauliflower, cabbage, kale) contain cancer-fighting properties, but broccoli is the only one with a sizable amount of sulforaphane, a particularly potent compound that boosts the body’s protective enzymes and flushes out cancer-causing chemicals. A recent University of Michigan study on mice found that sulforaphane also targets cancer stem cells—those that aid in tumor growth. Helps fight: breast, liver, lung, prostate, skin, stomach, and bladder cancers.

Leafy Green Vegetables: Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens.

Leafy green vegetables are a good source of the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein. Lab studies have found that chemicals in these foods may limit the growth of some kinds of cancer cells.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain high concentration of an effective antioxidant called lycopene. They body absorbs lycopene better from processed tomato foods such as sauce.

This juicy fruit is the best dietary source of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives tomatoes their red hue. And that’s good news, because lycopene was found to stop endometrial cancer cell growth in a study in Nutrition and Cancer. Endometrial cancer causes nearly 8,000 deaths a year. Helps fight: endometrial, lung, prostate, and stomach cancers

Turmeric

Laboratory studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit some kinds of cancer cells and slow the spread of cancer or even shrink tumors in some cases. Turmeric is a very powerful anti-inflammatory.

Ginger

Studies have shown that ginger decreases inflammation in the gut tissue. There are some early stage studies linking ginger to prevention of colon cancer. (I was not able to find any conclusive evidence that ginger also fights cancer.)

Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins, which may help prevent cancer by keeping free radicals from damaging healthy cells, shrink tumors and reduce tumor cell growth.

Beans

Dry beans and peas are rich in fiber (20% of Daily Value) and a good source of protein (10% of Daily Value). They are also an excellent source of folate, a B vitamin. Foods containing folate help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer probably because of folate’s role in healthy cell division and repair of damaged cells.

Legumes contain other health-promoting substances that may also protect against cancer:

  • Lignans and saponins
  • Resistant starch, starch not digested in the small intestine, is used by healthful bacteria in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids, which seem to protect colon cells.
  • Antioxidants from a variety of phytochemicals, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, inositol, protease inhibitors and sterols.

Antioxidant Power Juice Smoothies 

Purple Power Smoothie

  • 1 cup purple grape juice
  • 1/2 cup berries (blueberries, raspberries or blackberries)
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 handful of spinach

Add everything into blender with a few ice cubes and process until smooth.

Green Goodness Smoothie

  • 1 kiwi
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 large handfuls of chopped kale and spinach
  • 1 1/2 cups pure coconut water
  • 1 tsp Matcha green tea powder

Add everything into blender with a few ice cubes and process until smooth.

Turmeric Ginger Super Anti-inflammatory Smoothie

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 orange, peeled
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup almond milk (or any nut milk)

Add everything into blender with a few ice cubes and process until smooth.

Read more about which foods should be eaten organic and which ones are safe to eat otherwise.  At the bottom of the page there is a list of the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15”.

Resources: All the research I have read indicates that meat and dairy products should be eliminated or restricted by cancer patients. Here’s an interesting study on meat/dairy protein consumption. www.cbsnews.com