Most of us think that all fruits and vegetables are created equal. To ascertain this, I did some research and surprisingly, I discovered that highly colored fruits and vegetables are more saturated with phytochemicals. As we all know, phytochemicals are highly effective in preventing chronic illnesses and prostate cancer.

Colorful nutriments

Phytochemicals endow the varied colors of fruits and vegetables and in various ways, are amazing fighters against cancer cells. Phytochemicals, most notably carotenoids that include lycopene; flavonoids, sulforanes and others protect your prostate cells from initially mutating into cancer cells. Carotenoids are antioxidants that clean up cell radicals. These notorious radicals damage cells and in the process initialize the early development of cell mutation and cancer growth. Flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavones, isoflavones, proantocyanidins, quercetin and others inhibit the growth of tumor cells and are potent antioxidants.

Lycopene

Do you love tomatoes? They are the best red fruits most specific for prostate cancer. But, to be effective it should have its skin and needs to be squeezed to release the precious lycopene from its cells.
A research done among 47,000 male Americans whose diets include a regular intake of tomato and tomato based products decreased their risk of developing prostate cancer by 25 percent. Daily consumption causes the lycopene to accumulate in the prostate reducing the risk of cells to transform into cancer cells as well as block the growth of these cells.

Phytochemicals

Other specific phytochemicals for the prostate are the sulforanes in broccoli and brussels sprout that neutralize carcinogens. This, together with cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower, inhibit cancer cell growth, due mainly to the presence of indole-3-carbinol.

Skin the secret

Colors represent different phytonutrients each having a unique way of targeting cancer cells or synergistically fight cancer cells from developing, growing, multiplying and invading nearby organs. Also, because these phytochemicals aren’t synthesized in the body, eat seven servings of different highly colored fruits and vegetables daily. Since the phytochemicals are responsible for the varied hues of the skin, it is best to eat the skin too.

Cancer research

To ensure an array of phytonutrients that you need to fight cancer, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) center for Human Nutrition suggests choosing a vegetable or fruit per day each from the colors of red, red/purple, orange, orange/yellow, yellow/green, green, and white/green. Seven servings may be difficult to achieve but a little motivation and commitment will help. I recommend utilizing a vegetarian cookbook to improve your menus. Eat your fruits for snacks and dessert; add in soups and pasta or concoct delicious drinks from a mixture of vegetables and fruits.
So, enliven your kitchen with those vibrantly colored vegetables and fruits and add years and health to your life!