Cancer research has taught us many important things but not many more so than the impact our diets can have on our bodies. As human beings, we have an incredible amount of control over our health.

Some of you may be thinking that genetics also play a big role in cancer risk– this is true. But maintaining that healthy lifestyle and good overall diet can have a tremendous impact on that risk. So today, we are going to look at 5 foods that have proven cancer-fighting properties and should have a prominent place in any modern diet.

1) Berries

You’ve probably heard quite a bit of chatter about how antioxidants are food for you– there’s a very good reason for that! Berries pack a serious antioxidant punch which makes them one of the best anti-cancer foods around. In fact, cancer clinical studies have shown that berries are particularly good at reducing the risk for various cancers of the digestive tract. Berries help to clean up some and repair some of the damage that might be caused by various environmental toxins which we can be exposed to.

There is no need to pick favorites when it comes to berries either since each type provides specific benefits. So go crazy the next time you’re at the store and pick up some:

• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Acai berries
• Raspberries

2) Garlic

If you are looking for a real “super” type of food, then look no further than garlic. Studies have shown that garlic can inhibit the growth of various cancers such as:

• Stomach cancer
• Colon cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer

The latest research has shown that eating raw garlic can help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. This food helps to detox the body and naturally boosts the immune system. Garlic gives the immune system that extra boost it’ll need to quell cancerous cell growths.

3) Kale

This food has become more and more popular recently and for good reason. Kale is a great source of fiber and a really good cancer fighter! Studies have shown a 64 percent inverse association between the likelihood of developing cancer and the consumption of kale and other green vegetables.

Not a big fan of kale? You can still find all those awesome dietary benefits from other vegetables in the brassica family including:

• Broccoli
• Mustards
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower

4) Spinach

Anyone remember that squinty-eyed sailor who’d get superhuman powers from eating his spinach? Popeye and mom were quite right to tell us to eat our spinach, because it turns out that spinach can land a few good punches against cancer. Researchers have found that the consumption of spinach can significantly decrease the risk of a tumor developing if carcinogens are introduced into the body.

5) Turmeric

If you are unfamiliar with turmeric, it’s because this is not something that is eaten on its own. Turmeric is a spice that plays an important part in many curries and other popular indian cuisine. Curcumin is really the key behind most of turmeric’s renowned cancer fighting properties. The spice can help prevent several types of cancer such as:

• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Skin cancer
• Mouth cancer
• Esophageal cancer

Our diets may just be the most potent preventative medicine around when it comes to cancer. Even if you don’t like any of these foods, there are still plenty more cancer-fighting substitutes that are full of good vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. So eat well and stay heatlhy!