Foods rich in phytochemicals are great for reducing your cancer risk, reports the American Institute for Cancer Research, which reviews research on the links between nutrition and cancer. To get the maximum benefit, make sure you have at least five servings per day of the following food:

1. Cruciferous veggies (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli) - Are rich in phytochemicals that increase liver enzyme activity needed to detoxify carcinogens and other foreign compounds. Contains sulphoraphane, a phytochemical that blocks tumor growth. Studies show steady diet can reduce risk of lung, stomach, colon, rectum and prostate cancers.
   
   
2. Beans, including soybeans - Legumes are rich in saponins, protease inhibitors and phytic acid. Saponins help keep normal cells from turning into cancer cells and prevent cancer cells from growing. Phytic acid helps enhance immunity and work as antioxidant to neutralize cell-damaging free radical damage.
   
   
3. Berries, cherries - Have antioxidants that protect you from free radical damage.
   
   
4. Onions, garlic, chives and other veggies in alium family - Rich in sulfur compounds (called allyl sufides) that act as cancer-blocking or cancer-suppressing agents. They increase toxin-eliminating enzymes in liver, and sweep cancer-causing chemicals out of your body. Plus, they increase activity of certain immune system cells like macrophages.
   
   
5. Carotenoid-rich foods (deep orange, yellow, red and green veggies) - Protect against rapid cell production, which can increase risk of cancer, and contain antioxidants that are important in fighting free radicals.
   
   
6. Fish - Are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that may reduce risk of gastrointestinal and colon cancers. They protect by restricting production of prostaglandins, the inflammatory compound that acts as tumor promoters.
   
   
7. Tomatoes - Have lycopene, a phytochemical with anticancer effect's--it's a potent antioxidant that stops free radicals from tearing cell membranes and harming DNA, plus restores normal cellular communication so that signals can be sent to halt the growth of cancer cells.
   
   
8. Mushrooms - Have polysaccharides, which stimulate the immune system and provide anticancer protection. They increase production of immune system defenders such as cytokines and macrophages, which recognize and destroy cancer cells, viruses and bacteria.
   
   
9. Nuts and seeds - Provide concentrated energy, large amounts of protein, mineral and vitamins.
   
   
10. Green tea - Contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that limit cell replication, a primary characteristic of cancer. They also inhibit compounds involved in tumor survival and metastasis, and eliminate free radicals that can alter DNA, causing cell mutation.