Fruits and vegetables help reduce the risk of cancer because they are rich sources of vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber and they contain many other compounds that may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cancer. Vitamin A may inhibit the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis in the body. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant and can prevent the formation of free radicals. Rich food sources of vitamin A are dark green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange fruits and vegetables. Although fruits and vegetables are considered to be protective against certain cancers, vitamin A supplements are not recommended.
Vitamin C blocks the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines in the digestive tract.
Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant by preventing the oxidation of certain chemicals to active carcinogens. Rich food sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, strawberries and dark-green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach. Georgia has an abundance of healthy fruits and vegetables. Their value in our diets is critical to our health.