10 Cancer Healing Foods

Perhaps more than any other diagnosis, cancer is the one word you never want to hear from your doctor.



The good news is you can take action, starting with your next meal or snack. Switch to a healthy, delicious diet, consisting of the foods below, and increase your chances for a long and healthy life.

Many of the foods below are highlighted for certain nutrients. But studies show it’s important to eat foods containing those nutrients, rather than supplements, to get full benefit.

Berries – Of all fruits and vegetables studied, berries are perhaps the best cancer fighters. Cranberries, blueberries and raspberries top the list.


 For example, lab animals fed black raspberries saw an 80% reduction in colon cancer, and 60% decline in esophagus cancer. The next time you’re hankering for something sweet, choose berries. They’re delicious – and might extend your life.



Cruciferous Vegetables – All foods from plants contain phytonutrients. There are thousands of phytonutrients, which prevent or even beat back cancer. Some of the most powerful are glucosinolates, which are found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Glucosinolates reduce cancer growth, and prompt the body to make health-boosting enzymes.

Citrus Fruits, Etc.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps stop the formation of cancer-causing compounds. Citrus fruits – and vegetables such as broccoli and bell peppers – are rich in this vitamin. Diets rich in vitamin C foods (rather than supplements) have been shown to reduce many cancers, including bladder, breast, cervix, colon, esophagus, stomach and more.



Foods Rich in Omega 3s – These include a variety of foods, including flaxseed, walnuts, shellfish and fatty fish. In addition to many other health benefits, Omega 3s reduce inflammation, so they might lower the chances of cell mutation. They’re also believed to help stop the spread of cancer cells and tumor growth.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E: Studies have shown that diets rich in this vitamin lower the risk of cancers of the colon, liver, lung, stomach and others. But again, you need to choose food-based vitamin E rather than supplements. Some foods rich in this vitamin include peanuts and peanut butter, almonds and almond butter, and sunflower seeds.

Pomegranates – This sweet red fruit is high in ellagic acid. It’s a phytonutrient that’s been shown to reduce the growth of cancer cells, and fight against compounds that cause cancer. Other foods high in ellagic acid include some berries (blackberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries), nuts (pecans and walnuts) and grapes.



Sweet Potatoes – (and other foods rich in beta carotene). Found in orange vegetables and leafy greens, beta carotene is a valuable anti-oxidant. Scientists studied women roughly 50 and under, and found that those who ate foods rich in beta carontene saw the chances of breast cancer decline 50%. So from carrots and sweet potatoes, to kale and chard, eat up!

Tea – Tea contains catechins, compounds that scientists believe prevent cancer cell growth, and stop the mutation of cancer cells. People who drink tea regularly have less incidence of cancers, including breast, colon, lung, ovarian, and prostate. All kinds of teas appear to combat cancer, so enjoy tea frequently and in all varieties: green, black, white and oolong.

Wild Salmon and other others foods rich in vitamin D. Getting sufficient vitamin D can reduce many types of cancer, including breast and colon. Vitamin D is believed to help cut off food supplies to tumors, and prevent the spread of cells. Because so few foods have vitamin D, it’s a good idea to take a supplement too.

Tumeric and Ginger -Turmeric is the yellow spice found in curry. The spice contains curcumin, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown it helps prevent cancers such as breast, colon, liver, lung, and stomach. Gingerroot has more than 50 antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s been shown to reduce the growth of cancer cells and tumors.



This is a guest post by Mark Lynch. Mark recommends reading more food facts and find recipes for these foods at Chefs.edu.