Eating Beans

Eating Beans

Go big on Beans. Beans are not only filled with fiber, which studies show protects against colorectal cancer, but they also contain compounds like lignans, isoflavones, saponins, and protease inhibitors, which seem to keep normal cells from turning cancerous and prevent cancer cells from growing, says Dr. Bloch.

"People shy away from beans because of their gas-producing reputation," she adds. "But if you start eating beans, you start producing the enzymes you need to digest them, so that won't happen."

"In the meantime, you can buy flavorless products like Beano so you can eat them without worrying. (Beans is a product, available in your local drugstore, that can help you digest beans without producing gas.) Beans are so easy to add to your diet. Eat them in soups. Or use beans instead of meat in tacos."