According to recent research by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, as many as one-third of all cancers could be prevented by eating a healthy diet loaded with appropriate food and nutrients .
Diet and cancer have long been associated, but the relationship is complex. For instance, a report by the WCR/AICR found that no specific food or nutrient could be directly related to prostate cancer . However, diets and cancer were described as being casually related.
The study found that foods rich in lycopene could reduce cancer risk, if eaten in appropriate quantities each week. Foods particularly rich in lycopene include tomatoes, pasta, soup, grapefruit, guava and watermelon.
Another mineral with anti-cancer and antioxidant properties is selenium, common in brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and whole grains.