Add Some Ninja Cancer-Fighting Foods to Your Diet

With cancer leading the way as the second largest killer in America (just behind heart disease), it’s no wonder that people are turning to preventative measures to protect themselves against this widespread killer. Like many areas of your health, cancer prevention can start in your kitchen. There are many foods that can help reduce your cancer risk; all you have to do is shop (or grow) and start cooking up some of these ninja foods:

Broccoli: Yes, your mother was right—you should eat your broccoli! It’s full of cancer-fighting compounds that can even slow the growth of cancer cells. Kale, cabbage, and other cruciferous veggies can also do the trick.

Flaxseed: Yes, it’s a great source of omega 3 fatty acids; but did you know that flaxseed is also full of phytoestrogens, which can reduce your risk of cancer? Whole grain foods will also help do the trick.

Garlic: You may have bad date breath, but at least you’ll be protected from tumors, which is what garlic has been shown to do. Onions, leeks, chives and scallions will also help do this (though some might, admittedly, make you cry as well).

Beans: Beans, beans, the magical fruit; the more you eat, the more you… cut your cancer risk! Beans are full of phytochemicals, which can stop or at least slow down cell damage.

Pumpkin: It’s more than just a Halloween staple; it’s also a great source of beta carotene, which reduces—you guessed it—cancer risk. Carrots, yellow peppers, red peppers, sweet potatoes and squash also count.

Dark Leafy Veggies: Chicory, lettuce, Swiss chard… make a lettuce out of cancer-fighting greens. No wonder Popeye loved his spinach so much!

Red and Purple Grapes: Not only will you look fly loafing around munching on grapes like Dionysus; you’ll also be slurping up the resveratrol, an antioxidant that prevents cell damage. No wonder wine is so awesome.

Green Tea: Suck up the flavonoids in this libation for some healthy cancer prevention.

Pineapple: It doesn’t just provide a home for Spongebob; it also provides lots of vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which protects against certain cancers.

Tomatoes: Have a ‘mater or two for some yummy lycopene, which fights cancer. Tomato sauce, paste and juice help, too!

Berries: Toss some blueberries, raspberries or strawberries in your cereal or yogurt for a daily dose of cancer-fighting ellagic acid and anthocyanosides (the most powerful antioxidants in the world!).