Your local grocery store or farmer's market is filled with an arsenal of weaponry against cancer. Next time you're there, seek out these 10 cancer-fighting foods, and add them your cart—and diet.
Artichokes
Artichokes are packed with nutrients that boost health and protect against cancer. Flavonoids—apigenin and luteolin—found in artichokes are aggressive cancer-killing agents that lead to rapid cancer-cell deaths. Scientists have pre-treated cancer cells with flavonoids before chemotherapy.Artichokes are fun to eat. Cut them in half, brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Grill them cut-side-down for 3 to 8 minutes, or until soft. Pull apart the leaves and enjoy.
Avocado
Avocados are full of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. These agents not only prevent cancer cells from forming, they also kill them. Avocados' antioxidants also strengthen healthy cells.Add avocados to sandwiches, salads, omelets, smoothies or even desserts.
More: Healthier Avocado Cheesecake Recipe
Berries
Flavonoids found in berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, have been shown to decrease cancer risk. Ellagic acid, which is found in berry seeds, reduces your risk of developing cancer three-fold. On top of that, berries are one of the most powerful antioxidant sources around. They contain an abundance of the cancer-fighting vitamins C and E. In fact, one cup of strawberries contains 100 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C.Top off a cup of oatmeal or yogurt with your favorite berries for a cancer-fighting breakfast.
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About the Author
Shoshana Pritzker is a registered dietitian and certified dietitian nutritionist on Long Island, New York. She served as online editor-in-chief and senior editor of FitnessRx for Women magazine from 2008 through 2012, and has been featured in Oxygen Magazine as well as other national media outlets. Shoshana provides nutrition counseling in areas including sports nutrition, weight loss, general nutrition, kids nutrition, pre- and post-natal, wedding prep, meal planning and recipe development. Read her blog Shodelicious.com, or find her on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
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