Help Prevent Cancer Through Proper Nutrition « MyMedicalForum MyMedicalForum

Although eating a proper diet doesn’t guarantee a person won’t develop cancer, eating nutritious foods helps strengthen the immune system to keep it working at its prime.

It’s well documented that processed meats, salty foods, sugary drinks and piles of red meats definitely do not make a healthy diet. While it’s easier to know what constitutes poor nutrition, knowing what’s good is a little more difficult.

Foods that are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals found primarily in fruits and vegetables are beneficial to healthy cell growth. Studies suggest that people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of cancer.

According to Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, PhD, RD, a professor of behavioral sciences at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, a diet that can help ward off cancer is basically the same as any healthy diet – fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and fish.

Here are 7 foods that should be part of everyone’s healthy diet and especially for those who want to protect themselves from developing cancer:

Garlic – the sulfur compounds that make garlic smell bad are also impeding cancer-cell growth, killing current cancer cells, speeding DNA repair and killing bacteria. Garlic is part of the allium family, which also includes onions, leeks, chives and scallions, which might also help reduce cancer risk.

Broccoli – All cruciferous vegetables – cabbage, kale and cauliflower – contain phytochemicals called glucosinolates that produce cancer protective enzymes in the body.

Tomatoes – The natural chemical in tomatoes that make them red is called lycopene, which is highly regarded as a cancer-deterrent. This powerful antioxidant not only boosts the immune system, it also stops the growth of tumors by interfering with abnormal cell growth.

Strawberries – The Vitamin C and ellagic acid in berries rev up enzymes that have cancer-destroying power. They also contain flavonoids that help boost DNA to protect against cancer.

Carrots – Loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene, carrots protect cell membranes from toxin damage and cancer cell growth. Carrots also contain falcarinol, which is a natural pesticide that also helps protect DNA.

Spinach – Spinach is loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, both known to remove unstable molecules from the body before they can cause damage. Folate and fiber found in spinach also protect from a variety of cancers and cell damage.

Whole grains – Compared to processed grains that lack many of the vital nutrients, whole grains are fiber-rich which help increase colon health and prevent cancer. Whole grains also contain the antioxidants lignans and saponins, which keep cancer cells from multiplying.

If this article gave you valuable information about helping reduce your risk of cancer through good nutrition, consider sharing it with family and friends who might benefit from it.

Sources

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/nutrition/Patient/page1

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/10/12/garlic-health-benefits_n_1962523.html

http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/9-Surprising-Health-Benefits-of-Tomatoes.aspx

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=9

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-benefits-of-spinach-the-first-superfood.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=21

http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/what-are-the-health-benefits

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271285.php