Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention

Researchers are revealing the powerful role that phytochemicals play in a body's natural ability to defend itself against cancer. Phytochemicals are specifically derived from different plant sources and are compounds of molecules that prove beneficial to one's overall health. They also help to significantly reduce an individual's potential for developing cancer. Phytochemicals are naturally derived from whole grains, fruits and vegetables, so it's easy to incorporate them into your diet every day.

Pick Berries

• Researchers have revealed that berries like raspberries and blueberries contain natural anthocyanins, which are phytochemicals that naturally hinder the growth of cancer cells. What's more, anthocyanins in berries can help in slowing down the cell growth in tumors that are already present in the body. Adding a cup or two of berries to your diet every day or every other day can prove beneficial as a cancer-preventive measure.

Try Curry

• Curcumin is a natural derivative from turmeric and is often used to lend yellow color to curry, a spice used in Asian cuisines. Curcumin contains natural antioxidants that help to destroy free radicals in the body responsible for the creation of abnormal cancer cells. Curry can be added to foods as a spice or it can be consumed in capsule form; turmeric curcumin can be consumed at a dose of one 450 mg capsule per day to derive the natural phytochemicals found in turmeric. For ease of digestion, you should take the capsule with a meal.

Drink Green Tea

• Green tea is derived from the plant identified as Camellia sinesis. It can be consumed three to four times a day in order to derive the benefits of epigallocatechin gallate, a natural cancer-fighting agent present in large amounts in green tea. Epigallocatechin gallate has plenty of antioxidants for defense against free radicals, and studies have found it to have protective properties against cancers of the breast, colon, bladder, pancreas, small intestine, esophagus and stomach. Green tea can also be easily consumed as a capsule: Two 1,000 mg capsules can be taken daily, preferably just before a meal for ease of digestion.

Eat More Broccoli

• If you want to build up your natural cancer-fighting defenses, eat more broccoli, as well as Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. These vegetables contain glucoraphanin, which the body converts into sulforaphane. Sulforaphane has the ability to impede cancer cell growth, because it stops cell division and causes cancer cell death. Getting at least one helping (one cup) of broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or cabbage daily is an excellent all-natural way to take advantage of this phytochemical.