Vitamins And Cancer Prevention

Much has been studied about the role of certain vitamins, minerals and herbs in cancer prevention. Some of the most promising cancer prevention properties come from those vitamins that are known as antioxidants.

Antioxidants are substances that protect the body's cells from damage caused by dangerous free radicals, which can potentially cause cancer. There are many different sources of antioxidants, including herbs, vitamins, and foods. Here are some of the most widely recommended supplements thought to help prevent cancer by fighting free radicals:

Beta Carotene: Beta carotene is thought to reduce the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. Beta carotene is naturally occurring in red and orange foods such as pumpkin, squash, carrots, and red peppers. Beta carotene can also be found in dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.

Lutein: Lutein can help prevent colon cancer and encourage good eye health. Find lutein in dark green vegetables like collard greens, kale and spinach.

Lycopene: Lycopene has been studied for it's prostate cancer preventing properties. Tomato products are the best sources of lycopene. Studies have shown that processed tomato products like canned tomatoes, soups and juices are higher in lycopene than fresh tomatoes.

Vitamin A:Vitamin A, whose most common form is retinol, is a powerful antioxidant with cancer preventing properties that is found in such foods as liver, carrots, milk, egg yolk and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C: Getting enough Vitamin C can help prevent cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, lung and colon. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and even lean poultry, beef and types of fish.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is thought to prevent certain types of cancer such as prostate cancer and can be found in foods like green, leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, wheat germ oil and almonds.

Green Tea: Green tea is a powerful source of free-radical fighting antioxidants. Drink green tea in it's natural form or try a supplement if you can't stand the taste.

It's a good idea to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fat like the omegas found in wild salmon. You can add vitamin supplements to your diet as well. Try a multivitamin that contains a specialized blend of all the vitamins required for total-body health.

Before adding nutritional supplements to your diet, talk to your doctor or nutritionist to be sure you take the right dosage and tell them what medications you are taking to avoid possibly dangerous interactions.

To learn more about Vitamin Supplements, check out the author's Vitamin Information website.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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