1. Broccoli
If your parents always encouraged you to eat all of your broccoli, they were onto something! According to Davis, this famous green food contains a cancer-fighting compound called sulforaphane, which has been "shown to reduce tumor growth and support liver detox enzymes." She recommends enjoying broccoli steamed, added to stir-fries, roasted with olive oil, or chopped into a broccoli and walnut salad. All of that sounds delicious to us!
2. Garlic
You know what they say: When you think you've added enough garlic, add more! Turns out this can benefit more than just your taste buds. It could even lead to a longer life. "Garlic is rich in allicin, which has been linked to reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancers and known for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial benefits," Davis tells us. However, in order to activate the health benefits of allicin, she points out that garlic should be chopped, then allowed to rest for 10 minutes. "Grate garlic into salad dressings or sauces, chop it, and roast it with broccoli, or roast a whole bulb with olive oil to use as a spread," she suggests. Our mouths are watering!
3. Kale
This superfood really is all it's cracked up to be. That's because, as Davis explains, the leafy green "contains glucosinolates which help support detoxification and fight inflammation," along with Vitamin C and flavonoids, "which have been shown to help prevent DNA damage and reduce cancer risk." To prepare kale for optimal deliciousness, massage it with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to serve as the base of a salad. "It can also be blended into smoothies, chopped and added to soups or chilis, or even baked into kale chips," Davis lists.
4. Sweet Potatoes
There's a lot to love about sweet potatoes—including the fact that they may help prevent cancer. "Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant, fiber, and vitamin C, which support immune health and reduce oxidative stress," Davis says. "For a convenient option, look for Bako Sweet potatoes that come triple-washed and in petite or steamable options. They can be chopped and roasted with sweet or savory spices, microwaved and mashed with a little butter, or sliced and baked into fries." We're on it!
5. Avocados
Avocado toast, anyone? This isn't just the perfect creamy breakfast ingredient; it's also amazing for your health. Davis points out that avocados pack in healthy fats, glutathione, and lutein, which combat inflammation, oxidative stress, and may inhibit certain cancer cell growth. "Avocados can be mashed on toast, chopped and added to salads, or made into guacamole. For a convenient store-bought option with homemade flavor but no artificial ingredients, look for ¡Yo Quiero! Hatch Chile Guacamole." Yum!
6. Spinach
Another leafy green to the rescue! Don't turn away from spinach. It really is great for you. "Spinach is high in folate, chlorophyll, Vitamin C, and antioxidants that protect against cell mutation and promote DNA repair," Davis explains, citing this staple as "a versatile veggie that can be added to smoothies, scrambled eggs, or soups." She also recommends it as the base of a salad or added to wraps or sandwiches for a "boost of nutrition."
7. Mushrooms
We're big fans of mushrooms, which is why it's such great news that these fungi are great when it comes to preventing cancer and living a long, healthy life. Davis calls out shiitake, maitake, and reishi, in particular, for their beta-glucans and ergothioneine, "which enhance immune function and may reduce tumor growth." She says that "Cooking mushrooms is ideal to boost nutrient absorption and can be incorporated in stir-fries, sautéed with garlic and onion, or added to soups or pasta dishes." Sounds incredible!