Raw foods seem to play an important role in cancer prevention, according to recent studies. The first report that highlighted the link between cancer and nutrition made it clear that ones dietary choice can significantly impact their health and the risk of getting cancer.

A raw eating regimen based mostly on fruits and veggies seems to be a very effective cancer fighting diet, since studies show it can reduce the cancer rate with over 20%. Also, research shows over 370,000 cases of cancer could be prevented early by simply switching from regular eating regimens to diets based on healthier and less processed foods.

So if youre curious to see which the most effective foods in cancer prevention are, take a look at the brief list below!

Cancer fighting diet

1. Carrots and tomatoes

Both these foods are rich in carotenoids, chemicals known to act as powerful antioxidants and to exert strong cancer-fighting properties. These substances protect cells from free radicals therefore prevent the damaging of cell membranes and the abnormal spreading or growth of altered cells. Sweet potatoes, kale, mustard greens, spinach, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe and dark green leafy veggies contain important amounts of carotenoids.

2. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits provide high amounts of vitamin C, which is one of the most effective nutrients when it comes to cancer prevention. Together with vitamin E, also found in mangos, berries and avocados, as well as in broccoli, turnip greens, olives, spinach and nuts, this vitamin helps the organism fight against the harmful effects of free radicals and speeds up elimination of toxins.

Both these effects are important in cancer prevention as they result in a stronger immune system and an increased ability of the organism to neutralize bacterial and fungal infections. Vitamin C is available in oranges, kiwi fruit, grapefruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, guava, red peppers and also in cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, melons and leafy green vegetables.

3. Cereals and foods rich in fibers

Enriched cereals for breakfast as well as apples, grapefruits, blackberries, raspberries, oranges and broccoli are high in dietary fibers, nutrients with an important role in cancer prevention. Pears, raspberries, apples, bananas, oranges, figs, raisins, oats, peas, lentils, beans, pecans and almonds, broccoli, sunflower seeds and tomatoes are rich in fibers therefore they should be part of an anti-cancer diet. Also, carrots, sweet corn, turnip greens, pistachio nuts and cherries can provide important amounts of these nutrients and fight against cancer.

4. Foods with high selenium content

Selenium is another substance that must be included in a cancer fighting diet as it has strong anti-carcinogenic effects. Foods rich in selenium, such as garlic for example, are known to lower the risk of stomach, prostate, bladder, breast, liver and esophageal cancer. The recommended daily dose of this mineral is 200 mg, foods with high selenium content including brazil nuts, onions, wheat germs and oats, salmon and sunflower seeds.

5. Foods rich in vitamin D

A clinical trial showed vitamin D deficiencies are associated with higher risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer. On the contrary, subjects with normal levels of vitamin D were found to be 72% less likely to develop these types of cancer, so although research is still needed for establishing vitamin Ds role in cancer, scientists agree foods containing this vitamin can be effective in cancer prevention.

Foods rich in vitamin D, which should he included in a raw food cancer fighting diet, include fortified cereals, salmon, soymilk, soybeans and raw dairy products.