An anti-cancer diet is an important strategy one can use to reduce the risk of cancer. Nutrition is one of the most important factors that allow our body to heal and defend itself from various diseases, proving that we are what we eat.

Several studies have found out that food are particularly useful in protecting and fighting with cancer.

"All the studies on cancer and nutrition point to eating plant-based foods for their phytonutrients and other special compounds," Richard Béliveau, PhD, chair in the prevention and treatment of cancer at the University of Québec at Montreal and author of Foods to Fight Cancer said.

Hence, make room in your diet for the following foods to prevent the one of the world's leading causes of death.

1. Papaya

Papaya fruit has a high content of vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, which are potent antioxidants. Too, it has a protein-digesting enzyme called "papain," which enhances digestion. Make sure to choose non-GMO papaya to diminish toxin ingestion.

2.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain "lycopene" which has been associated with increased survival rates in prostatic cancer patients and a reduced threat of suffering from this type of cancer. The combined action of Lycopene - which is a potent antioxidant - and tomatoes -which also have a group of compounds called "the red family" - make them efficient in cancer prevention.

3. Whole Grains

Whole grains -such as oats and quinoa- provide fiber, vitamins and minerals which help prevent cardiovascular disease. With its high content of phytonutrients, present studies suggest that whole grains also have the capacity to prevent some types of cancer. The also contain antioxidants - ellagic and ferulic acids - which block free radicals and help protect cells from radiation damage.

4. Cruciferous Vegetables such as Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower 

Cruciferous vegetables have anti-cancer properties with their content of phytonutrients -- like sulforaphane, flavonols, and kaempherol - which reduce oxidative stress. Too, Brocolli contains vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant.

5. Berries

Berries have polyphenols like ellagitannin and tannic acid which stimulate the eradication of carcinogens and inhibit cancer growth. Among all fruits, blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant capacities as it contains favanols, hydroxycinnamic acids, anythocyanins and other phytonutrients like resveratrol.

6. Kale

Kale is rich in fiber, which helps improve digestion and a healthy digestive system. It also holds iron that supports transport oxygen, enhance cell growth and promote proper liver function. Moreover, it is rich in Kale vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids -- which gives it anti-inflammatory properties - and Sulfur -- an important part of numerous liver enzymes which help remove toxins or drugs.

7. Green Tea

Green tea has numerous health benefits that are related to the phytochemicals it contains. Catechins are also found in other fruits like apples, grapes, and avocadoes. The benefits of green tea include the reduction of vascular neo-formation, a phenomenon necessary for the reproduction of cancer cells. It also has potent antioxidants which is a big help to detoxify and succor the liver in reducing toxins.