Can certain foods reduce your risk of getting cancer?

It is difficult to browse the internet or social media, especially in the new year, without coming across the term “superfood.” Surprisingly, this is not a new term. The earliest recorded use of superfood was in the early 20^th century by the United Fruit Company in its quest to market bananas.

The use of the term increased exponentially in the 21^st century. It is so widespread that Merriam-Webster added it to its dictionary in 2014, defining a superfood as “a food (such as salmon, broccoli, or blueberries) that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.”

Who decides what food is “super?”

Sales companies! While there is a general definition for superfoods in the dictionary, there is no established regulatory or legal description, meaning any food can be labeled as a superfood. Shoppers tend to associate food in packaging with the term “superfood” as healthier, resulting in an increase in sales for companies.

Superfoods and cancer

A few foods are frequently touted as superfoods when it comes to reducing cancer risk: broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes and tomato-based products, beans and legumes, nuts, berries, and garlic.

While these foods have many health benefits, research shows that no one single food can protect against cancer. By focusing on superfoods, it is easy to neglect other foods that make up a balanced diet. Following a plant-forward diet that includes a variety of foods provides your body with the fiber, nutrients and phytochemicals that are together known to reduce the risk for cancer given their unique nutrient profile and the synergistic benefit of these foods eaten together.

Check out the New American Plate from the American Institute for Cancer Research to see what this evidence-based and sustainable eating pattern to protect against cancer looks like in practice.

Learn more

Inova Schar Cancer’s registered dietitians are available at all sites to help you modify your diet to support you before, during and after cancer treatment. To speak to a dietitian, ask your physician or nurses for a referral or self-refer by calling 703-206-5433 or emailing LifewithCancer@Inova.org.