nti-cancer champions. Virtually all of them are rich in antioxidants and other substances that block cancer at many stages of its development. The plant foods listed below are a few that appear to be great allies in our fight against cancer. Green tea inhibits tumors of the esophagus, breast, skin, colon and liver in rodents. Soybeans are rich in genistein, a phytochemical that appears to prevent small tumors from growing. Genistein apparently interferes with cancer at many points, from controlling cell proliferation to inhibiting angiogenesis, the building of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors. Studies have shown it particularly to protect against breast cancer. Broccoli and the cabbage family are full of phytochemicals that fight cancer. One of them, sulforaphane, protects lab animals from breast cancer. It appears to help cancer-fighting enzymes force carcinogens out of cells. And another, phenmethyl isothiocyanate, apparently disarms carcinogens and prevents DNA from damage. Tomatoes are associated with lower rates of several cancers, most particularly lung and prostate cancer. Flavonoids, phytochemicals that give color to fruits and vegetables, may block the ability of cancer-causing hormones to attach to cells. Garlic and onions contain phytochemicals that activate enzymes that neutralize carcinogens. Flax seeds contain lignans that may block cancerous changes. In addition, their oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may be helpful against a variety of cancers. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a mineral that, in population studies, is associated with decreased incidence of cancer. Just one of these crunchy nuts a day is plenty. They are so rich in selenium that eating too many could give you an overdose. Selenium may block both tumor initiation and promotion. In order to consume most of the above listed foods, a simple and sensible diet must be followed. P. Singer, author of Animal Liberation suggests that...
