Increasing evidence suggests nutrition plays an important part in cancer prevention (Chan et al, 2005, Journal of Clinical Oncology). Selenium, an antioxidant, has shown for many to have a protective effect against prostate cancer. Indeed a couple of brazil nuts a day can provide enough selenium to do the job.
Other food elements that may have a protective effect for cancers in general are brassica vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc), carotenoids (orange fruit & veg), lycopenes (in tomatoes), polyphenols (red wine, tea) and omega-3 (fatty fish) to name a few.
It is commonly agreed however, these elements should be taken in the form of food, and not from a supplement bottle. So next time you’re wondering what to have for lunch or a snack for that matter, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea if you don’t imbibe, and tuck into a little mackerel pate, some carot & broccoli crudites, roasted tomatoes, followed by a few brazil nuts and mango … delicious!
http://www.nutrition.gov/