Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

diet and cancer 379
FOODS THAT SUPPLY CANCER-FIGHTING SUBSTANCES
Cancer-Fighting Substance Cancer-Fighting Actions Food Sources
calcium reduces the irritation bile and fatty acids broccoli, bok choy, kale, milk, yogurt, cheese,
cause in the gastrointestinal tract
salmon, legumes
particular benefit to reduce risk for
COLORECTAL CANCER
carotenoids (beta-carotene, block growth of cancer cells carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash,
lutein, zeaxanthin) particular benefit to reduce risk for apricots, bell peppers, corn, spinach
LUNG CANCER and CERVICAL CANCER
catechins neutralize free radicals GREEN TEA, grapes, wine, chocolate
flavonoids protect DNA, neutralize free radicals carrots, citrus fruits, onions, apples, tomatoes,
blueberries, broccoli, soybeans and soybean
products
folate (folic acid) essential for DNA synthesis and repair beets, broccoli, cabbage, legumes, spinach,
avocados, turkey, asparagus
indoles block the actions of carcinogens to cause cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy,
cells to mutate
cabbage, broccoli
particular benefit to reduce risk for BREAST
CANCER and PROSTATE CANCER
lignans maintain cell health flaxseed oil, flaxseeds, whole grains,
particular benefit to reduce risk for breast pumpkin seeds, cranberries, green tea,
cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate
black tea
cancer
lycopenes particular benefit to reduce risk for prostate tomatoes, tomato sauce, pink grapefruit,
cancer
guava, watermelon
soy isoflavones block tyrosine kinase, an enzyme that fresh soybeans, tofu, soy flour, soy-based
promotes cancer cell proliferation
foods
particular benefit to reduce risk for
HORMONE-DRIVEN CANCERS (breast cancer,
prostate cancer, OVARIAN CANCER, and
ENDOMETRIAL CANCER)
vitamin C ANTIOXIDANT that neutralizes free radicals citrus fruits, strawberries, red cabbage, bell
blocks conversion of nitrates
peppers, kiwi fruit, mangoes
blocks cancer cells from dividing and
proliferating
particular benefit to reduce risk for ESOPHAGEAL
CANCER and STOMACH CANCER