Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases that affect people today. According to the National Cancer Institute, many cancers are potentially preventable, and approximately 35 to 50 percent of cancers are due to the consumption of unhealthy foods and poor dietary habits.
With proper education on healthy eating, people can learn to reduce their risk of developing many types of cancers and other diseases, and improve their overall sense of well-being.
A High-Fiber Diet Helps Fight Cancer
Dietary fiber is material from plant cells that humans cannot digest or can only partially digest. It helps move food through the intestines and out of the body, promoting a healthy digestive tract. A diet high in fiber and low in fat may reduce the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum, and helps to remove toxins from the body.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends the consumption of 20 to 30 grams of fiber daily. To increase fiber consumption in the diet, foods made with whole grains and whole-grain flours should be chosen (wheat, corn, rye, oats, and bran). Products made with refined flours (white breads, rolls, pastries, and cakes) should be avoided or eaten less often.
Cancer-Fighting Foods
The following foods should be included as part of a regular diet for their anti-cancer fighting potential:
- Fresh crushed garlic: Garlic has excellent cancer-fighting potential, as well as helping to maintain good cardiovascular health. Garlic also lowers blood cholesterol levels and boosts the general immunity of the body.
- Turmeric: Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, contains the powerful antioxidant curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cruciferous vegetables (brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale): Cruciferous vegetables are known for their cancer-fighting abilities because they serve as rich sources of phyto-chemicals such as sulforaphane.
- Beans: Beans are rich in isoflavones, a type of phytochemical that is said to help prevent cancer.
- Green tea: The catechins in green tea can help slow the growth of tumor cells as well as protect healthy cells from further damage.
- Tomatoes/tomato sauce: Tomatoes contain lycopene and antioxidants, which prevent the damage of body cells and tissues, caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, suspected to be the triggers behind cancer. Tomatoes are particularly helpful in fighting against prostate cancer.
- Citrus fruits and Berries: Citrus fruits and berries contain high amounts of phytochemicals, which provide antioxidants and cancer prevention properties.
- Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that could help reduce the chances of developing cancer, as they combat the cell damage that can lead to tumor growth.
- Olive oil: Olive oil contains one of the healthiest types of fats, high in phyto-chemical antioxidants.
Healthy Dietary and Lifestyle Choices Can Help Prevent Cancer
Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, eating a variety of foods, and avoiding or moderating certain substances such as fat, sugar and sodium and alcohol, can go a long way towards cancer and disease prevention.
Further Reading:
Health Benefits of Herbal Supplements
 |
 |
 |
 |
