Here’s another way to prevent and fight cancer naturally: Eat foods rich in xanthophylls (a carotenoid.)
Xanthophylls are the pigment compounds that are responsible for giving plants their color, and are crucial in converting sunlight into energy. The xanthophylls include: lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin.
What foods are high in xanthophylls?
- green leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, broccoli, kale)
- watercress
- peas
- green beans
- corn
- beets
- sweet potato
- peppers (red, orange, green)
- carrots
- yellow squash
- oranges
*Reference here
People who consume higher amounts of plants containing these phytonutrients have a lower risk of developing various cancers:
- Ovarian
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
How do xanthophylls prevent and fight cancer?
- reduce DNA damage
- increase DNA repair
- increase cancer cell death (apoptosis)
- reduce tumor growth
- reduce tumor blood vessel growth
- boosts immune system
- reduce inflammation
Bottomline:
Eat more yellow, orange, and green leafy vegetables and fruits.