Cancer is a dreaded disease that strikes many Americans from all walks of life. Some factors that contribute to cancer are beyond people's control, such as the genes they inherit from their families. But people do have the power to choose a healthy diet that includes cancer-fighting foods. Eating such foods can help prevent and fight cancer, reports the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Whole Grains
Whole-grain foods have all three parts of the grain kernel included, as opposed to refined grain foods that lose parts of their natural grains when they're processed. The American Institute for Cancer Research says that whole-grain foods such as oatmeal, wheat breads and cereals, brown rice, popcorn and tortilla chips are important sources of fiber that can reduce the risk of cancer in the body. Whole grains also contain hundreds of substances called phytochemicals that protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. The American Cancer Society recommends that people get phytochemicals directly from whole-grain foods rather than from supplements, however, because no evidence has yet shown that taking phytochemical supplements is as beneficial in fighting cancer as eating foods that contain them.
Fruits
Fruits such as berries and grapes can be powerful weapons against cancer. Berries --- especially raspberries and strawberries --- contain ellagic acid, which can aid the body in deactivating carcinogens that cause cancer, and slow cancer cell reproduction, says the American Institute for Cancer Research. Blueberries offer substances called anthocyanosides -- the most powerful antioxidant discovered so far to fight cancer, the American Institute for Cancer Research reports. Grapes are rich in resveratrol, a natural chemical that slows cancer cell growth and blocks the formation of tumors, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. The purple and red varieties of grapes contain more resveratrol than green grapes. People hoping to fight cancer should try to eat at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, says the American Cancer Society.
Vegetables
Vegetables contain a wide variety of substances that fight cancer. Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussel sprouts and broccoli help properly regulate the body's enzyme system that defends it from cancer, reports the American Institute for Cancer Research. Green leafy vegetables like romaine lettuce, spinach and collard greens can block the growth of various kinds of cancer cells, the American Institute for Cancer Research says.
