Experts: Eat colorful foods to help fight cancer

No miracle food can prevent cancer, but experts say the right combination of foods could make a difference.

The American Institute for Cancer Research backs a diet of at least two-thirds plant-based foods and one-third animal protein. Experts at WebMD say a helpful way to get enough cancer-fighting foods is to fill your plate with color.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in cancer-fighting nutrients, and the deeper and richer the color, the more nutrients they contain. They also help people reach and maintain a healthy weight, which also reduces the risk of cancer.

Breakfast is a great place to start.

According to WebMD, look for folate on labels as it is found in many fortified cereals and whole wheat products. Real orange juice, melons and strawberries are also good folate sources.

Some studies have linked eating tomatoes and pure tomato products—but not ketchup—with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. The antioxidant lycopene gives tomatoes their cancer-fighting punch.

Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are all potent sources of cancer fighting antioxidants.

Experts say replace an unhealthy beverage with more tea, especially green tea, which may be a strong cancer fighter, too. Also, drink more water: H2O not only quenches thirst, but it also flushes out the urinary tract and may help protect against bladder cancer.

Another good idea is to pass on sugar because it can crowd out your appetite for other nutrient-rich foods.

Don't rely on supplements. Instead, get them naturally from foods like nuts, fruits and leafy green vegetables, which all offer cancer-fighting benefits.

Dr. Mask says frying, grilling or broiling meats at high temperatures have been shown to form chemicals that may increase cancer risk. Mask says diet experts now recommend people cut back or eliminate processed meats, too, such as hot dogs and deli meats, to reduce their cancer risk.