Maintaining a variety of healthy foods in our diets is likely more important for reducing cancer risks than focusing on any individual nutrient or food.
Synergies between the different vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds we eat may benefit our health in a number of ways, including positively affecting the "hallmarks of cancer." The "hallmarks" are cellular processes and characteristics that make cancer cells harmful and different from normal cells. Just as some chemicals can affect hallmark processes in negative ways - like tobacco or BPA - others, such as carotenoids, can defend against these processes and make cancer less likely to develop.
Click on the food groups below to learn which of the hallmarks of cancer they may help prevent.
Foods
Hallmarks of Cancer
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in fruits and vegetables: anthocyanins, carotenoids, isothiocyanates, kaempferol, luteolin, lycopene, melatonin, naringenin, resveratrol and vitamin B
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in seafood: astaxanthin, eicosapentanoic acid and vitamin D
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in tumeric: curcumin and zerumbone
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in vegetable oils: gamma linolenic acid and oleanoic acid
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in nuts, legumes and beans: melatonin, resveratrol and vitamin B
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in mushrooms: Lentinus edodes, vitamin B and vitamin D
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in herbs: luteolin
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in whole grains: melatonin and vitamin B
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in black pepper: piperine
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in meats: vitamin B
Vitamins, phytochemicals and other compounds found in dairy produccts: vitamin B and vitamin D
Is there any evidence of reduced cancer risk? Learn more.