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Eating broccoli, blueberries, tomatoes, cauliflower and apples can reduce cancer risk? What a doctor said

Published on: Mar 7, 2025, 11:12:18 IST
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Add cancer-fighting foods broccoli and tomatoes to your diet. (Pexels)
Add cancer-fighting foods broccoli and tomatoes to your diet. (Pexels)

Incorporating the right foods into your diet can help reduce your risk of cancer, according to a doctor. Here are his top foods with cancer-fighting properties.

In a recent episode of the Figuring Out With Raj Shamani podcast, Dr Tarang Krishna, a cancer specialist, shared a list of powerful foods to prevent cancer. By combining a balanced diet with a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your cancer risk and support your overall well-being if you add broccoli, blueberries and tomatoes to your diet, he said. If broccoli and blueberries are expensive or unavailable, he suggested two alternatives: cauliflower and apples. Also read | Doctors warn these everyday habits could be fuelling cancer and chronic illnesses

3 foods that can protect you from cancer

When asked top 3 foods that people should eat to reduce their chances of getting cancer, Dr Krishna said, “Broccoli is very, very good. Don't fry it but sauté it lightly with olive oil. Keep it fresh and just have it with a little bit of salt and a little bit of pepper. Number 2 is blueberry. It is very good, very important. And number 3 is tomato as it has a high amount of lycopene. It is very good. But it should be eaten a little grilled. Why? Because when you lightly grill it, its lycopene gets absorbed better. Ideally, tomato should not be eaten raw... if you eat these three things, I am sure you are keeping yourself in a good environment, you are taking good care of every cell in your body.”

Also read on Healthshots: Eating too much broccoli can be bad for your health. Here’s why

Alternatives to broccoli and blueberries

Given that many people find broccoli and blueberries to be very expensive and not easily available everywhere, Dr Krishna shared the alternatives, saying, “Cauliflower without pesticides is very good. If someone is gluten-free, then cauliflower is the best thing to have. The alternative to blueberry is apple. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. An apple that is not waxed and is organic. A good apple won't look perfect. If you go to Shimla or Kashmir, the apples there have irregular shapes and odd colours; they are not that bright red like the ones you usually see. Don't buy Washington apple.”

Poor diet and sedentary lifestyle can raise your risk of developing cancer. Click here to know more cancer-fighting foods that can help you stay healthy.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

  • Sanya Panwar
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sanya Panwar

    With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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