What Is An
Anti-Cancer Diet?
by Chris Chenoweth
Research has proven not only that
cancer is a preventable disease, but also that we have the power to
prevent it by making changes in our diet. Yes, you can drastically
decrease your risk of being diagnosed with cancer simply by adjusting
your diet.
TIPS FOR FOLLOWING AN ANTI-CANCER
DIET
*EAT RAW FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.
Eating fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of all types of cancers.
Plants contain phytochemicals, substances that help your body fight
cancer. The vegetables that have the greatest impact in reducing the
risk of cancer are the cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage,
brussel sprouts, and cauliflower. These vegetables not only boost
immunity but block enzymes that draw carcinogens into healthy cells.
*EAT A LOW-FAT DIET, eating only
monounsaturated fats, never saturated fats. If you eat the wrong kind of
fat, it can increase your risk of cancer. Monounsaturated fats do not
contribute to cancer and have anti-cancer properties. The best sources
of these fats are found in olive oil and canola oil.
*OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS are
heart-healthy fats with anti-cancer properties and are contained in
salmon and tuna. They are thought to block the negative effects of
estrogen on breast cells, lowering the risk of cancer development.
*AVOID HYDROGENATED FATS as they
are potentially carcinogenic. Always check food labels. If any of these
ingredients contain hydrogenated fats, do not buy it! (Most packaged
foods contain hydrogenated fats.)
*LOSE WEIGHT. One of the leading
risk factors for cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is obesity.
Additionally, increased fat tissue raises estrogen levels, increasing
the risk of breast cancer.
*INCREASE YOUR FIBER. Fiber-rich
foods quickly move cancer-causing substances through the intestines,
reducing the possibility of the substances adhering to the intestinal
wall and causing colon cancer. Fiber also promotes the growth of healthy
bacteria in the intestines.
Simple changes in your diet can
greatly increase your fiber level. Add beans to your salads and soups.
Eat whole grain bread instead of white bread. Instead of sugar-laden
cereal for breakfast, eat a bowl of high fiber cereal.
Best food sources are: wheat bran,
kidney beans, garbanzo beans, whole grains, legumes, and prunes. Check
food labels to find the fiber content of foods.
*CUT DOWN ON MEAT CONSUMPTION.
People who eat diets containing high levels of meat have the highest
incidence of colon cancer. Eat seafood instead and/or increase your
intake of other forms of protein such as beans.
*EAT A DIET RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS.
There is strong scientific evidence that beta-carotene, vitamin C and
vitamin E lower the risk of several types of cancer.
BETA-CAROTENE is found in many
foods that are orange in color such as carrots, cantaloupe, squash,
pumpkin, mangos, and sweet potatoes. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli,
and liver are also good sources.
The best food sources for VITAMIN
C are citrus fruits or juices, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and
spinach. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified with vitamin C.
Good sources of VITAMIN E are
vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and
fortified cereals.
*GET YOUR CALCIUM. Calcium can
reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by reducing the amount of cells
that line the colon. The best sources of calcium are low-fat dairy
products such as yogurt and skim milk, and bony fish.
Your body has billions of cells
duplicating inside of it every day. Some of those cells can become
cancer cells. If your body's immune system is healthy and strong, it can
search out and destroy those cells. If your body is not strong enough,
you can get cancer. A nutritious diet is your best weapon in the daily
battle against cancer.
About the Author
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF
HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet,
exercise, health, and business.
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