It has been proven that there are certain foods that help fight cancer or the return of cancer itself.  The American Cancer society suggests that you should eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  In addition, research has shown there are certain foods you can eat to protect you from cancer.

• Garlic has shown to fight cancers in the digestive tract, such as colon, stomach and the esophagus tract.  It is believed that a clove of garlic a day prevents cancer cells from forming or replicating.
• Berries contain natural antioxidants that halts free radicals from damaging your cells.  Compounds found in berries also keep cancer cells from growing and spreading.
• Tomatoes contain high concentrations of the antioxidant called lycopene which can lower your chance of developing certain kinds of cancer. 
• Cruciferous vegetables:  broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower may be key in protecting you from cancer. Research has shown that compounds in this vegetable class can protect you from the free radicals that can damage your cells' DNA. They also protect you from cancer-causing chemicals, help slow the growth of tumors, and encourage cancer cells to die.
• Green tea contain catechins which has been proven to shrink tumors and reduce tumor cell growth. Those that drink green tea have shown to reduce their risk to cancer.
• According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, whole grains contain many ingredients, including fiber and antioxidants that can lower your risk of cancer.
• Tumeric, an orange-colored spice, contains an ingredient called curcumin, which might be helpful in decreasing cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, curcumin can stop some kinds of cancer cells in laboratory studies and slows the spread of cancer or shrink tumors in some animals. This spice can be easily be added to many recipes.
• Leafy green vegetables like spinach and lettuce contain antioxidants called beta-carotene and lutein. You can also find these antioxidants in the cooked leafy greens such as mustard greens, and kale.  According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, chemicals found in these foods may limit the growth of some kinds of cancer cells.
• The skin of red grapes is a rich source of the antioxidant resveratrol. Grape juice and red wine also contain this powerful antioxidant. According to the National Cancer Institute, resveratrol may be useful in keeping cancer from beginning or spreading. Cancer patients are told to drink a glass of red wine a day.
• Some beans, including pinto and red beans contain high levels of fiber that has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.  They are also great sources of antioxidants that help fight cancer cell growth.

My hubby and I love to cook!  We're fortunate because we love to eat all of these proven cancer fighting foods.  Get out there and try new recipes.   I have already posted two for you to try.   Happy eating!!

Everyday Health (2012).  The anti-cancer diet:  foods to fight cancer.  Retrieved from:
      http://www.everydayhealth.com/