One important group of compounds is antioxidants, chemicals which slow down oxidation and help to prevent cell damage by oxygen. Good food sources of the antioxidants are broccoli, apricots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and turnip greens. Another group of compounds, called phytochemicals, may help to reduce cancer risk. Phytochemicals are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, soy, legumes, and seeds. Lycopene a chemical which gives tomatoes their red color, appears to protect cells from damage.
Flavonoids are a group of naturally occurring compounds found in red wine.
These compounds tend to inhibit the breakdown of LDL in the blood, so the LDL can be more easily eliminated by the body. Flavonoids have also been shown to reduce platelet adhesion and may reduce the risk of blood clots. Despite all the research, investigators still can't say which specific component in foods is responsible for cancer prevention. So, nutrition experts say you should eat a variety of healthy food each day. In addition, consume a variety of foods from plant-derived sources, such as whole grain breads and cereals, rice, pasta, or beans.