Cancer refers to a large group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in your body. Numerous factors increase your likelihood for cancer, such as family history, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or sun exposure and obesity. While a healthy diet isn't known to cure cancer, certain foods may reduce your risk and enhance recovery if or when you're diagnosed with cancer. For best results, seek specific guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants -- nutrients that support your body's ability to heal from illnesses and infections and defend itself from toxins associated with cancer. As fiber-rich, relatively low-calorie foods, fresh produce frequently can help you manage your weight when you eat it in place of processed snack foods. Fruits particularly rich in antioxidants include berries, cherries, kiwi fruit, papaya, cantaloupe, mangoes, tomatoes and avocados. Antioxidant-rich vegetables include red and green bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, winter squash and sweet potatoes. The American Cancer Society recommends aiming for five or more collective servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Legumes
Legumes are plant-derived foods that provide unique blends of fiber, protein and nutrients, such as iron and B vitamins. Beans contain potent nutrients known as phytochemicals that may help prevent or minimize genetic damage to your cells and reduce your risk for prostate and other forms of cancer. In addition, the high fiber content of legumes may help reduce your risk for digestive cancers. Legumes also provide nutritious alternatives to protein sources high in saturated fat, such as red and processed meats. To reap cancer-fighting benefits from legumes, incorporate a variety, such as black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, split peas, black-eyed peas and lentils, into your diet routinely.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that have not been stripped of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber during processing. As a result, they have a positive impact on your blood sugar levels, digestive health and, since fiber enhances satiation, appetite control. Limit refined grain sources, such as white bread, enriched pasta and processed snack foods, and increase your intake of whole grains as potential dietary tools for lowering your cancer risk. Examples of nutritious whole-grain foods include 100 percent whole-grain breads, cold cereals and pasta, long-grain brown rice, wild rice, air-popped popcorn, quinoa, pearled barley and old-fashioned oatmeal.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, flounder, halibut, mackerel and sardines, are top sources of omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats associated with positive heart health and brain function. Omega-3 fats may also help lower your risk for breast, prostate and/or colon cancer and slow the growth of colon cancer cells once they are present, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Incorporate fatty fish into nutritious meals routinely for best potential results.
