Cancer-Fighting Foods

by Diane Lofshult

Infants who are regularly fed oranges and bananas before age 2 are significantly less likely than other children to be diagnosed with leukemia by age 14, according to a new study presented at an international conference on the disease last winter. The scientists who presented the findings theorized that this effect may be because both fruits contain high levels of vitamin C, an antioxidant that can hinder the cancer process. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which may reduce the rate of cancer mutation. The same researchers found that the spice turmeric can also protect against childhood leukemia.