The Best Foods for Detoxification and Cancer Prevention

When it comes to longevity, great health and cancer prevention, the role of the vegetable can never be overstated. Vegetables are good for us in a vast number of ways: they provide dietary fiber, they are low in fat, they contain a rainbow of vitamins and minerals, and researchers now know, they are packed with powerful cancer-fighting and disease-prevention substances.

These substances are widely called phytonutrients or phytochemicals, and there are many of them. Here is a list of vegetables that are great sources of these cancer prevention nutrients:

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. Best concentrated sources of lycopene are tomato sauce, pasta sauce and ketchup.

Spinach, kale, chard and collard greens are packed with the phytonutrient lutein and is also very high in a number of antioxidants. Spinach is good for preventing cancer of the liver, colon, ovaries and prostate.

Red, yellow and orange bell peppers and yellow squash. These nutritiously dense vegetables contain carotenes, lutein, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin. Oh yes, and lots of Vitamin C.


Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussel sprouts contain sulforaphane, a plant chemical that has been shown to reduce the risk of breast, skin and stomach cancer. The most potent form of sulforaphane are broccoli sprouts. You can find broccoli seeds for sprouting at many health food stores, and of course, on the web.

Garlic, onions, leeks, chives and shallots contain allicin, which reduces the risk of stomach, esophagus and breast cancer. For maximum potency, mince garlic 10 minutes prior to cooking.

The best detoxifying, cancer-prevention diet is one that includes the brightly colored vegetables and fruits. The deeper and richer the color, the more nutrient dense and phytochemically packed. When you can, always buy organic fruits and vegetables.