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Anti-Cancer Superfoods

Learn how to reduce your risk with the right foods (12 Photos)

Suzannah Olivier and Patricia Volin on Mar 15, 2012 at 8:54PM

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Broccoli

May protect against: Many cancers including lung, colon, breast, bladder, prostate

Works because: The slightly bitter flavor of broccoli—and its cousins Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower—is thought to be the main reason for its impressive track record deterring cancer. In lab studies the bitter chemicals isothiocyanates and glucosinolates actually interfere with cancer progression by activating enzymes that inhibit cancer cells, and suppressing those that promote cancer.

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