More than 150,000 adults every year die from lung cancer, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce your risk, abstain from tobacco and avoid environmental pollutants like asbestos. In addition, a healthy diet may help reduce risk. Eating a nutrient-rich diet that includes specific nutrients may also help prevent lung cancer.
Lycopene
Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of developing cancer, according to UCLA's David Heber in a paper published in the October 2000 "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Antioxidants destroy compounds known as free radicals, which damage DNA and lead to cancerous cell development. Lycopene is a particularly potent antioxidant known for its role in prostate health. The article adds that lycopene intake may also inhibit the growth and proliferation of lung cancer cells. Sources of lycopene include tomato sauce, raw tomatoes, guava and grapefruit.
Vitamin C
Like lycopene, vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights off free radicals in your lungs and may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, according to Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute. However, the institute notes that the research linking vitamin C intake and lung cancer prevention is not yet conclusive. Rich dietary sources of vitamin C include broccoli, collard greens, bananas, orange juice and limes.
Tea Polyphenols
Tea polyphenols are unique compounds found in tea that act as antioxidants in the body. Green tea is an especially rich source of tea polyphenols, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, adding that test tube studies have found that the tea polyphenols from green tea inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells. However, no clinical studies on humans have reached similar conclusions. In addition to green tea, black tea and white tea also contain an abundance of tea polyphenols. The UMMC advises consuming approximately 3 cups of green tea daily to receive significant health benefits.
Alpha Carotene
Alpha carotene is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family along with its more famous cousin, beta carotene. Heber notes that alpha carotene is more beneficial to lung cancer prevention than beta carotene. In general, brightly-colored fruits and vegetables are good sources of alpha carotene. Specific foods rich in alpha carotene include carrots, yams, green beans, avocado and winter squash.
