Allium vegetables

Several observational studies show that eating vegetables from the allium family can help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Allium vegetables, such as onion and garlic, may help to lower the risk of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Garlic may also help to reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung, gastric, esophageal, and liver. While onions can help with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and insulin resistance in breast cancer patients, they may have no effect on prostate cancer risk, and cooked onions may actually increase breast cancer risk.

Allium vegetables such as garlic, onions, and leeks provide a variety of nutrients such as organosulfur compounds, flavonoid antioxidants, and vitamin C. These might be effective anti-cancer medications. A study of 660 women in Puerto Rico found that eating a lot of garlic and onions lowered the risk of breast cancer. A study of 285 women discovered that eating a lot of garlic and leek can help prevent breast cancer.