Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is responsible for one in every six deaths. In 2020 alone, there were an estimated 19.3 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer-related deaths.

The good news is that there are ways to lower your risk of cancer, and one of those ways is through antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds found in many foods that can help protect your cells from damage.

By doing so, they may help reduce your risk of cancer.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that can protect your cells from damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA.

They are produced by many things, including normal metabolic processes and external factors like pollution and radiation.

Your body naturally produces some antioxidants, but you can also get them from the foods you eat. There are many different types of antioxidants, including:.

Types of Antioxidants

Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Carotenoids
Flavonoids
Selenium
Zinc

How Do Antioxidants Help Prevent Cancer?

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals in your body. This is important because free radicals can damage cells and DNA, which can lead to the development of cancer.

Research has found that people who eat diets high in antioxidants have a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

For example, a study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women who ate foods high in carotenoids had a lower risk of breast cancer.

Another study published in the European Journal of Cancer found that people who ate diets high in vitamin C had a lower risk of lung cancer.

What Foods Are High in Antioxidants?

There are many foods that are high in antioxidants. Some of these include:.

Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Pomegranates
Dark chocolate
Leafy green vegetables, such as kale and spinach
Carrots
Tomatoes
Sweet potatoes
Nuts, such as almonds and walnuts
Green tea

Should You Take Antioxidant Supplements?

While getting antioxidants from food is generally considered safe, taking antioxidant supplements may not be as safe.

Some studies have found that taking high doses of certain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, may actually increase your risk of cancer.

This is thought to be because taking too much of certain antioxidants can interfere with your body’s natural defenses against cancer.

It’s always best to get your antioxidants from food rather than supplements. If you are considering taking an antioxidant supplement, talk to your doctor first.

The Bottom Line

Antioxidants are compounds found in many foods that can help protect your cells from damage. By doing so, they may help reduce your risk of cancer. Some of the best sources of antioxidants include blueberries, leafy green vegetables, and green tea.

While getting antioxidants from food is generally considered safe, taking antioxidant supplements may not be as safe. If you are considering taking an antioxidant supplement, talk to your doctor first.