Antioxidants are unique substances that have been shown to help prevent
certain types of cancers. Their primary operation is to neutralize free
radical oxygen in the body that can otherwise result in malignant
mutations.
Though some antioxidants are available in supplement form, the best and
most biologically available form of antioxidants is what’s found in many
common foods.
List Of Antioxidant Foods That Fight Cancer
According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture study, beans and berries
have the highest antioxidant content by quantity. However, there’s a
wide variety of antioxidants with different functions available in many
types of foods.
The most common antioxidants are carotenoids, flavenoids, isothiocyanates, sulfides/thiols and phenols.
Carotenoids
The orange in carrots and peppers is caused by a type of antioxidant
known as the carotenoids. Beta carotene is the most commonly recognized
carotenoid with the strongest anticancer activity. The lycopene in
tomatoes is another example of a carotenoid.
Leafy greens like kale, collards and spinach, as well as corn, eggs and
citrus fruits contain the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin with less
established cancer fighting attributes.
Flavenoids
Flavenoids are probably the world’s favorite antioxidant. This category
includes anthocyanins, which are found in cherries, grapes and berries.
It also includes the flavanols found in dark chocolate and the
proanthocyanins in red wine. Other sources of flavenoids include apples,
broccoli, citrus, cinnamon, and some teas.
Isothiocyanates
Everyone knows vegetables are good for you. This is true for a lot of
reasons, but in the case of cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and
cauliflower, this is at least in part due to the presence of
isothiocyanates, a type of antioxidant. Kale, cabbage and horseradish
also contain this detoxifying and cancer fighting antioxidant.
Sulfides/Thiols
Cruciferous vegetables also contain an important antioxidant group
called the sulfides or thiols. These are also important to
detoxification and healthy immune function, both of which help prevent
cancer.
Garlic, contains allicin, one of the most potent antioxidants and an
example of a sulfide. To a lesser extent, onions, leeks, scallions and
bok choy contain these antioxidants as well.
Phenols
Caffeic acid and ferulic acid are antioxidants of the phenol variety.
These can be found in apples, pears, citrus fruits and some vegetables.
It is believed but not proven that phenols contribute to antioxidant
defense against cancer. They certainly promote circulatory and immune
health, which alone helps make cancer less likely.
