“Research tells us that consistently choosing healthy foods over time may lower your risk of developing cancer, but you can’t say with absolute certainty that food can prevent cancer,” says wellness dietitian Lindsey Wohlford. “There are no guarantees.”
- Cruciferous Vegetables
Eating cruciferous vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, including breast, esophageal, oral, and kidney cancers.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric contains protective compounds, including curcumin. It has antioxidant properties that may help the body fight inflammation, may help ease arthritis, may help slow the growth of cancer cells, helps protect cells from damage, and may reduce visible signs of aging.
3. Mushrooms
Some research suggests mushrooms may help reduce the risk of breast cancer, possibly due to compounds such as glutathione, ergothioneine, and polysaccharides. Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, and maitake are also associated with supporting antitumor immunity, and turkey tail’s PK polysaccharide has been studied as a support in cancer therapy.
4. Allium Vegetables
According to research, vegetables such as onions and garlic have “promising biological activities” that point to their potential as strong antioxidant and anticancer agents.
5. Wakame
Wakame is also a source of iodine, providing around 42 mcg per serving.
6. Lycopene-Rich Foods
A diet that includes lycopene-rich foods—such as tomatoes and watermelon—may help lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
7. Beta Carotene-Rich Foods
Foods high in beta carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables. The role of beta carotene in cancer prevention still requires more research.
8. Fatty Fish
