Boost your health by eating certain foods that fight cancer – check out our top eight… Avocados
A buttery fruit that is high in good fats, and rich in glutathione – a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals.

Cancer-fighting properties
A study that was published in Seminars In Cancer Biology claims phytochemicals in avocados curb the growth of cancer cells. They are particularly high in oleic acid, an acid that fights certain types of breast cancer. Oleic acid can also increases the effectiveness of the cancer treatment, herceptin.

Try it
Mashed avocado with a little olive oil spread on rye bread makes for a delicious snack.

---

Figs
With their green and purple skins and pink flesh, figs aren’t just a picture to look at. The seeds within are super-weapons with the power to fight cancer.

Cancer-fighting properties
Fig extracts, high in benzaldehyde, have been used to shrink tumours with successful results. The fruit is rich in the antioxidant polyphenol and the compound lupeol, both of which are known for their cancer-beating properties, the latter in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Try it
Flapjacks and scones made with dried figs are deliciously moist and sweet.

---

Garlic
It has a strong reputation in folklore for curing colds and flu, but garlic is now widely recognised among medics for its cancer-battling powers.

Cancer-fighting properties
Garlic’s diallyl sulfides super-charge immune cells, helping them fight cancer cells more effectively. People who consume raw garlic face half the risk of stomach cancer, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Try it
Add crushed garlic to stir-fries, salads and sauces. If you’re worried about bad breath, chew raw parsley after a meal.

---

Tomatoes
One medium tomato provides 50% of your daily vitamin C requirement, and it is packed with antioxidants.

Cancer-fighting properties
These red power houses contain the antioxidant lycopene, which is suspected of triggering cancer. Scientists in Israel have shown that lycopene kills mouth cancer cells, and it has been linked to a reduced risk of breast, prostate, pancreas and colorectal cancer.

Try it
Heat up chopped tomatoes and olive oil, add a dash of basil and pepper and place on toasted bread. Instant bruschetta!

---

Broccoli
Florets of broccoli contain a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, notably vitamin C, folic acid and potassium.

Cancer-fighting properties
Broccoli’s phytochemical sulforaphane formula is effective at fighting colon and rectal cancer.

Try it
Griddle broccoli with crushed garlic, for a double cancer-fighting snack!

---

Mushrooms
Highly nutritious, the fungus is rich in B vitamins and minerals.

Cancer-fighting properties
Experiments led by the Mushroom Bureau (www.mushrooms makesense.com) involving cells treated with mushroom extract for 10 days, revealed that white button mushroom extract has the ability to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Try it
Fry mushrooms, onion and garlic and add to a risotto. Grate fresh Parmesan on top for a delectably creamy treat.

---

Tofu
This is a white, flavourless soy bean product that takes the taste of whatever it’s cooked with. It’s also high in calcium and vitamin E, and low in saturated fats.

Cancer-fighting properties
Tofu contains several types of phytoestrogens, that can help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by suppressing cancerous changes.

Try it
Replace meat with tofu in lasagne or chilli. You’ll find you add more vegetables to spruce up the colour palette, boosting the meal’s health benefits even more!

---

Nuts
They are well-known for keeping cancer at bay. Almonds are also a good source of calcium and walnuts help cut cholesterol. But watch out for the high calorie content!

Cancer-fighting properties
Nuts contain the antioxidant quercetin that helps suppress the growth of cancers. Eating a handful of brazil nuts a day can reduce the risk of eight types of cancer by up to 76%.

Try it
Instead of adding chocolate chips to cookies, try some chopped brazil nuts. Scrumptious!

---

---