Think of what you'd get, and what they'd do for you. Beta carotene's now-big family may be as important in preventing cancer as beta carotene. Research has linked eating fruits and vegetables rich in these carotenoids to lower risk of cancers of the lung, esophagus, colon, head and neck.
Some foods hide that orange under a layer of green.
However, research also shows that the relationship of nutrition to cancer risk may be very complex. The answers may lie in nutrient interactions and individual responses to diet that are determined by your genetics and lifestyle. Even though we know that reduced cancer risk is linked to eating fruits and vegetables, we haven't identified the anti-cancer compounds in these foods. For instance, some people hope to minimize cancer risks by eating food that is certified as free of pesticides. However, many foods have natural pesticides in them that could cause cancer.