Cancer can be one of the most devastating illnesses a person can face. It seems everywhere we turn, there is a new report of someone being diagnosed with cancer.

While there are many things we cannot control in life, our food choices are one area where we have some control. Here are the top 20 cancer-fighting foods you should be incorporating into your diet and why.

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains a compound called sulforaphane. This compound has been found to have cancer-protective properties, making it an excellent food to incorporate into your diet.

Eating broccoli regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing a number of different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

2. Berries

Berries are high in antioxidants, which can help prevent damage to cells that could lead to cancer. Blueberries are particularly high in antioxidants, but strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all good choices as well.

Eating a variety of berries regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

3. Garlic

Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating garlic regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing stomach and colorectal cancers.

Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent cancer development by reducing inflammation in the body.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Lycopene has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

Eating tomatoes regularly, whether fresh or cooked, can help protect your body from cancer.

5. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and arugula are high in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting compounds. They are also high in fiber, which can help prevent colorectal cancer.

Eating a variety of leafy greens regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

6. Cruciferous Vegetables

In addition to broccoli, other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain cancer-fighting compounds. These vegetables also contain fiber and other important nutrients that can help prevent cancer.

Eating a variety of cruciferous vegetables regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

7. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are high in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting compounds. They are also high in healthy fats, which can help protect against certain types of cancer. Eating a variety of nuts and seeds regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

8. Whole Grains

Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread are high in fiber, which can help prevent colorectal cancer. They also contain other important nutrients that can help protect against cancer.

Eating a variety of whole grains regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties.

Eating turmeric regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including breast, colon, and stomach cancers. Turmeric can be used in cooking or taken as a supplement.

10. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating a variety of citrus fruits regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

11. Green Tea

Green tea is high in antioxidants called polyphenols, which can help prevent damage to cells that could lead to cancer.

Drinking green tea regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancers.

12. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating sweet potatoes regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including lung and stomach cancers.

13. Legumes

Legumes such as beans, lentils, and peas are high in fiber and other cancer-fighting compounds. Eating a variety of legumes regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

14. Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain a compound called beta-glucans, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties.

Eating mushrooms regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancers.

15. Fish

Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon and tuna, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating fish regularly can help protect your body from cancer.

16. Red Wine

Red wine contains a compound called resveratrol, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Drinking red wine in moderation can help protect your body from cancer.

17. Ginger

Ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating ginger regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including breast and colon cancers.

Ginger can be used in cooking or taken as a supplement.

18. Onions

Onions contain a compound called quercetin, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating onions regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including colon and stomach cancers.

19. Carrots

Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating carrots regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of developing several different types of cancer, including lung and stomach cancers.

20. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains a compound called flavonoids, which has been found to have cancer-protective properties. Eating dark chocolate in moderation can help protect your body from cancer.