Prevent Colon Cancer -- Eat More Apples

Like a crime wave, colon cancer starts when a few bad-guy cells go wild. But munching on sweet, juicy apples could help keep those troublemakers in line.

Credit quercetin, a cancer-fighting flavonoid found in abundance in apples. In a lab study, this anticancer compound appeared to slap the handcuffs on precancerous cells, keeping them from dividing, and even encouraging them to die off.

Quercetin Quiets Inflammation
Quercetin seems to work by controlling levels of cancer-fueling inflammation. And if it has the same effect in human subjects -- as lab studies using human cells suggest it might -- then loading up on quercetin-rich produce could lower colon cancer risk anywhere from 6 percent to 35 percent, researchers posit. (Did you know? Quercetin might give you extra energy, too.)

There's Something About Produce
Maybe it isn't just the fiber in fruits and vegetables that helps keep your colon healthy. Maybe it's also the quercetin and other healthy nutrients you get not only from apples but from onions, green and black tea, and buckwheat, too. Either way, your colon thanks you. So keep on fighting the good fight with these other colon-friendly treats:

• Whole grains: Fiber doesn't take all the credit here. It's also the vitamins, minerals, and cell-protective phenols that help. Find good whole-grain sources with this quiz.
• Bananas: It's the B6 that may have colon-protective powers. Find out how much it reduces colon cancer risk.
• Seafood: Fish and shrimp eaters tend to have healthier colons. Here's what's in fish that might get the credit.
• Garlic, leeks, and chives: This savory family guards against a whole bunch of cancers. Find out what ones.