Garlic contains the chemical allium which works to increase activity of our body's natural immune cells. Allium also causes cells to become more vulnerable to stress created by the by-products of cell division. Since cancer cells divide very rapidly, they are affected by allium more than normal cells, which divide much more slowly.

Nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium. Selenium has been shown to improve the efficiency with which DNA repairs itself after exposure to damaging free radicals. Brazil nuts eaten from the shell are especially high in selenium. In addition, nuts contain omega-3 fatty acid. The omega-3 fatty acids block a protein that has been shown to increase sensitivity to carcinogens in laboratory studies.

Tip:  keep your brazil nuts in the freezer.  They are much easier to crack and extract from the shell when frozen.  Allow to thaw before eating.

Anthocyanins, found in dark red and purple foods, can reduce the growth of an enzyme, human DNA topoisomerase II, that triggers the growth of cancer cells in the human body. Grape juice is an excellent source of anthocyanins. Good news, read the labels of 100% fruit drinks and you are very likely to find grape juice.

The phytochemical in soy, genistein, inhibits the growth of new blood vessels necessary for tumor survival. Without these blood vessels, the tumor shrinks. Soy also works to block bile acids.  (Remember the relationship between bile acids and fats mentioned at the beginning of the article.)

Antioxidants in tea, catechins, appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. The phytochemical EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) present in green tea, binds to a protein found on tumor cells and dramatically slows their growth.

Lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant, isn't found in many other fruits and vegetables. Lycopene stimulates the production of phase II detoxification enzymes which neutralize carcinogens and allow them to be excreted out of the body. Processing tomatoes by turning them into sauce increases the levels of lycopene.

So remember, choose vegetables fats over animal fats, pack your diet with a wide variety of fruits, vegetable and whole grains, and include the nine foods mentioned above, often. Live a long, healthy, happy life!

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Bio Our editor, Jean Fisher, is a former elementary teacher. She offers "What's For Dinner?" as a free service for busy families.  One delicious meal is suggested for each day of the week, plus an organized grocery shopping list that can be customized to include all your shopping needs.  You will also find two stimulating table topics and one educational after-dinner activity for each day. As one happy visitor commented, "It's everything you need all in one place!"