What types of food products inhibit or stop cancer growths like tumors, etc.?

A fellow caregiver asked...

What types of food products inhibit or stop cancer growths like tumors, etc.?


Expert Answer

Beth Reardon, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., is Caring.com senior food and nutrition editor and the director of integrative nutrition at Duke Integrative Medicine. As a practitioner of integrative nutrition, Reardon takes a holistic approach to wellness, recognizing that the foundation for optimal health and healing begins with a health-promoting diet. As a practitioner of integrative nutrition, Reardon takes a holistic approach to wellness, recognizing that the foundation for optimal health and healing begins with a health-promoting diet.

Foods such as fruits, vegetables, cold water fish, herbs and spices contain broad categories of compounds that have been shown to be exceptional sources of compounds that have the ability to interfere with the development of many cancers. Here are some examples:

"¢ Vegetables such as those found in the cabbage family (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale)

"¢ garlic

"¢ onions

"¢ tomatoes

"¢ whole soy

"¢ fruits, including berries such as raspberries and blueberries

"¢ green tea

"¢ spices such as turmeric, cumin and ginger have powerful anti cancer potential.

Remember however, that at the same time you include these amazing foods, it's also important to remove foods that may be contributing to cancer development, including grilled meats, refined and processed foods containing hydrogenated oils and trans fats.