1. Stop Free Radical Damage
Antioxidants are substances such as vitamins that protect the body against free radical damage. A free radical occurs when a molecule splits in a process known as oxidation. Free radicals lack an electron, and they roam around the body trying to pick up an electron to make themselves whole. In their travels, they cause a lot of damage, including cancer, heart disease and premature aging. Antioxidants come into the body and supply these free radicals with the electron they are missing, so they stop doing damage. This is why it is important to eat a lot of cancer-fighting vegetables that are high in antioxidants. Whenever possible, choose organic vegetables so you're not introducing any harmful substances into your body.
2. Eat Tomatoes With a Little Olive Oil
Lycopene is a member of a class of antioxidants known as carotenes. Carotenes are the substance that gives some fruits and vegetables their rich red or yellow color. Tomatoes--even canned--are very high in lycopene. Many scientific studies have shown that lycopene helps prevent cancer. Using a little olive oil with tomatoes enhances absorption of the lycopene. Scientists discovered this when they discovered the low cancer rates in some areas of Italy where olive oil and tomatoes are a dietary staple. You can also find lycopene in carrots and green peppers.
3. Don't Forget Your Greens
You can't go wrong with green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, turnip greens and broccoli. There are so many varieties of these vegetables, so most people can find a couple that they will eat regularly. These vegetables contain vitamin C, the most powerful antioxidant, as well as vitamins D, E and K. Vitamin C is especially protective against lung cancer; you find it in high quantities in red peppers--both red chili peppers and red sweet peppers. Vitamin E is important by itself and because it helps other antioxidants perform. You find high levels of vitamin E in asparagus and avocados.
4. Selenium and Molybdenum
Selenium is a trace mineral that works with vitamin E as an antioxidant. You can find selenium in Swiss chard, turnips and garlic. Another mineral that fights cancer is molybdenum. In fact, studies have linked molybdenum deficiencies and esophageal cancer. You can find molybdenum in green peas, spinach and garlic.
