Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that can fight cancer, according to EurekaAlert.org, a service of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Current data suggest that eating a diet comprised of food that contains large concentrations of antioxidants may be helpful in preventing cancer. Moreover, when used in tandem with chemotherapy, antioxidants actually enhance the positive effects of the treatment, notes BreastCancer.org. A variety of foods contain antioxidants.
Chocolate
Chocolate is considered a good source of antioxidants. Chocolate contains the antioxidant polyphenol, a substance that may help lower the chances of developing cancer. Nevertheless, it is ill-advised to get antioxidants from chocolate alone, because it does not contain other substances, such as minerals and nutrients, that can help reduce the effect of carcinogens, explains MayoClinic.com. Furthermore, chocolate is rich in both fats and calories; thus, consuming abundant amounts of chocolate is unhealthy. Focusing on eating dark chocolate, which has a higher antioxidant concentration when compared with milk chocolate, allows for optimum ingestion of antioxidants while avoiding excess calories and fat.
Coffee
Coffee is also a source of polyphenols, notes EurekaAlert.org. The polyphenols in coffee work by helping the body purge substances called free radicals. Free radicals can be very harmful to cells and tissue and can potentially cause cancer. As such, drinking coffee regularly can significantly increase the amount of polyphenols in the body and help fight cancer.
Fruits
Fruits such as grapes, marionberries and olives contain high concentrations of antioxidants. Current data suggest that fruits that are organically grown contain higher amounts of antioxidants than those that have been exposed to pesticides, reports EurekaAlert.org. Fruits contain antioxidants, including vitamins C and E. The current recommended daily intake of fruits is about three to five daily servings, states MayoClinic.com.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms, such as portabella and crimini, can be highly effective in helping the body fight cancer because they contain antioxidants such as polyphenol and ergothioneine, notes EurekaAlert.org. Data suggest that cancer patients who eat mushrooms rich in antioxidants can improve their overall responsiveness to cancer treatment, notes BreastCancer.org.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green beans and red pepper contain high concentrations of antioxidants. Carrots are a good source of the antioxidant beta carotene, a form of vitamin A. In addition to fighting cancer, the antioxidants contained within vegetables are effective in limiting the damage caused by free radicals. The recommended amount of vegetables is four to eight servings per day, according to MayoClinic.com.
Whole Grain and Cereals
Whole grains, as well as cereals such as corn, oats and rice, are rich sources of antioxidants. These foods contain polyphenols and vitamin E, which make them very useful in fighting cancer, explains EurekaAlert.org.
References
- BreastCancer.org: Antioxidants Effect on Chemo Radiation
- EurekaAlert: Mushrooms as Good an Antioxidant Source as More Colorful Veggies
- EurekaAlert: Organically Grown Foods Higher in Cancer-fighting Chemicals Than Conventionally Grown Foods
- EurekaAlert: Whole Grain Cereals, Popcorn Rich in Antioxidants, Not Just Fiber, New Research Concludes
- MayoClinic: Antioxidant Supplements: Prevention in a Pill?
