Phytonutrients are changing the way we think about food, especially fruits and vegetables. For example, broccoli contains a substance that may prevent, even cure, breast cancer. Citrus fruits have substances that make it easier for your body to remove carcinogens, thus decreasing the chance of contracting cancer. Grapes contain a phytochemical that appears to protect each cells' DNA from damage.

Similarly, a number of green vegetables contain phytonutrients that appear to offer protection against cancer-causing substances. The list goes on: bok choy, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, rutabaga, turnip greens, red beets, peppers, garlic, onions, leeks, and chives are but a few of the vegetables that appear to have cancer-preventing phytonutrients. More than a dozen industry publications on functional foods and beverages have referred to various exotic or antioxidant species as super-foods, some of which are included in the list below.