Fighting Cancer by
the Plateful
No single food can
reduce your risk of cancer, but the right combination of foods may help make a
difference. At mealtimes, strike a balance of at least two-thirds plant-based
foods and no more than one-third animal protein. This "New American
Plate" is an important cancer fighting tool, according to the American
Institute for Cancer Research. Check out better and worse choices for your
plate.
Fighting Cancer With Color
Fruits and
vegetables are rich in cancer-fighting nutrients - and the more color, the more
nutrients they contain. These foods can help lower your risk in a second way,
too, when they help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight. Carrying
extra pounds increases the risk for multiple cancers, including colon,
esophagus, and kidney cancers. Aim for at least five servings a day, prepared
in a healthy way.
The Cancer-Fighting Breakfast
Folate is an
important B vitamin that may help protect against cancers of the colon, rectum,
and breast. You can find it in abundance on the breakfast table. Fortified
breakfast cereals and whole wheat products are good sources of folate. So are
orange juice, melons, and strawberries.
More Folate-Rich Foods
Other good sources
of folate are asparagus and eggs. You can also find it in chicken liver, beans,
sunflower seeds, and leafy green vegetables like spinach or romaine lettuce.
According to the American Cancer Society, the best way to get folate is not
from a pill, but by eating enough fruits, vegetables, and enriched grain
products.
Pass Up the Deli Counter
An occasional Reuben
sandwich or hot dog at the ballpark probably isn't going to hurt you. But
cutting back on processed meats like bologna, ham, and hot dogs may help lower
your risk of colorectal and stomach cancers. Also, eating meats that have been
preserved by smoking or with salt raises your exposure to agents that can
potentially cause cancer.
Cancer-Fighting Tomatoes
Whether it's the lycopene -- the pigment that gives tomatoes
their red color -- or something else isn't clear. But some studies have linked
eating tomatoes to reduced risk of several types of cancer, including prostate
cancer. Studies also suggest that processed tomato products such as juice,
sauce, or paste increase the cancer-fighting potential.
Tea's Anticancer Potential
Even though the
evidence is still spotty, tea, especially green tea, may be a strong cancer
fighter. In laboratory studies, green tea has slowed or prevented the
development of cancer in colon, liver, breast, and prostate cells. It also had
a similar effect in lung tissue and skin. And in some longer term studies, tea
was associated with lower risks for bladder, stomach, and pancreatic cancers.
Grapes and Cancer
Grapes and grape juice, especially purple and red grapes,
contain resveratrol. Resveratrol has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. In laboratory studies, it has prevented the kind of damage that can
trigger the cancer process in cells. There is not enough evidence to say that
eating grapes or drinking grape juice or wine can prevent or treat cancer.
Limit Alcohol to Lower Cancer Risk
Cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, and
breast are all linked with drinking alcohol. Alcohol may also raise the risk
for cancer of the colon and rectum. The American Cancer Society says that even
the suggested daily limit of two drinks for men and one for women elevates the
risk. Women at higher risk for breast cancer may want to talk with a doctor
about what amount of alcohol, if any, is safe based on their personal risk
factors.
Water and Other Fluids Can Protect
Water not only
quenches your thirst, but it may protect you against bladder cancer. The lower
risk comes from water diluting concentrations of potential cancer-causing agents
in the bladder. Also, drinking more fluids causes you to urinate more
frequently. That lessens the amount of time those agents stay in contact with
the bladder lining.
The Mighty Bean
Beans are so good
for you, it's no surprise they may help fight cancer, too. They contain several
potent phytochemicals that may protect the body's cells against damage that can
lead to cancer. In the lab these substances slowed tumor growth and prevented
tumors from releasing substances that damage nearby cells.
The Cabbage Family vs. Cancer
Cruciferous
vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy,
and kale. These members of the cabbage family make an excellent stir fry and
can really liven up a salad. But most importantly, components in these
vegetables may help your body defend against cancers such as colon, breast,
lung, and cervix
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Dark green leafy
vegetables such as mustard greens, lettuce, kale, chicory, spinach, and chard
have an abundance of fiber, folate, and carotenoids. These nutrients may help
protect against cancer of the mouth, larynx, pancreas, lung, skin, and stomach.
Protection From an Exotic Spice
Curcumin is the main
ingredient in the Indian spice turmeric and a potential cancer fighter. Lab
studies show it can suppress the transformation, proliferation, and invasion of
cancerous cells for a wide array of cancers.
Cooking Methods Matter
How you cook meat
can make a difference in how big a cancer risk it poses. Frying, grilling, and
broiling meats at very high temperatures causes chemicals to form that may
increase cancer risk. Other cooking methods such as stewing, braising, or
steaming appear to produce fewer of those chemicals. And when you do stew the
meat, remember to add plenty of healthy, protective vegetables.
A Berry Medley With a Punch
Strawberries and
raspberries have a phytochemical called ellagic acid. This powerful antioxidant
may actually fight cancer in several ways at once, including deactivating
certain cancer causing substances and slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Blueberries for Health
The potent
antioxidants in blueberries may have wide value in supporting our health,
starting with cancer. Antioxidants fight cancer by ridding the body of free
radicals before they can do their damage to cells. Try topping oatmeal, cold
cereal, yogurt, even salad with blueberries to boost your intake of these
healthful berries.
Pass on the Sugar
Sugar may not cause
cancer directly. But it may displace other nutrient-rich foods that help
protect against cancer. And it increases calorie counts, which contributes to
overweight and obesity. Excess weight can be a cancer risk. Fruit offers a
sweet alternative in a vitamin-rich package.
Don't Rely on Supplements
Vitamins may help
protect against cancer. But that's when you get them naturally from food. Both
the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research
emphasize that getting cancer-fighting nutrients from foods like nuts, fruits,
and green leafy vegetables is vastly superior to getting them from supplements.
Eating a healthy diet is best.
Source:http://www.medicinenet.com/cancer_pictures_slideshow_cancer_fighting_foods/article.htm
Top
Cancer-Fighting Foods
Fighting Cancer by the Plateful
No single food can
reduce your risk of cancer, but the right combination of foods may help make a
difference. At mealtimes, strike a balance of at least two-thirds plant-based
foods and no more than one-third animal protein. This "New American
Plate" is an important cancer fighting tool, according to the American
Institute for Cancer Research. Check out better and worse choices for your
plate.
Fighting Cancer With Color
Fruits and
vegetables are rich in cancer-fighting nutrients - and the more color, the more
nutrients they contain. These foods can help lower your risk in a second way,
too, when they help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight. Carrying
extra pounds increases the risk for multiple cancers, including colon,
esophagus, and kidney cancers. Aim for at least five servings a day, prepared
in a healthy way.
The Cancer-Fighting Breakfast
Folate is an
important B vitamin that may help protect against cancers of the colon, rectum,
and breast. You can find it in abundance on the breakfast table. Fortified
breakfast cereals and whole wheat products are good sources of folate. So are
orange juice, melons, and strawberries.
More Folate-Rich Foods
Other good sources
of folate are asparagus and eggs. You can also find it in chicken liver, beans,
sunflower seeds, and leafy green vegetables like spinach or romaine lettuce.
According to the American Cancer Society, the best way to get folate is not
from a pill, but by eating enough fruits, vegetables, and enriched grain
products.
Pass Up the Deli Counter
An occasional Reuben
sandwich or hot dog at the ballpark probably isn't going to hurt you. But
cutting back on processed meats like bologna, ham, and hot dogs may help lower
your risk of colorectal and stomach cancers. Also, eating meats that have been
preserved by smoking or with salt raises your exposure to agents that can
potentially cause cancer.
Cancer-Fighting Tomatoes
Whether it's the lycopene -- the pigment that gives tomatoes
their red color -- or something else isn't clear. But some studies have linked
eating tomatoes to reduced risk of several types of cancer, including prostate
cancer. Studies also suggest that processed tomato products such as juice,
sauce, or paste increase the cancer-fighting potential.
Tea's Anticancer Potential
Even though the
evidence is still spotty, tea, especially green tea, may be a strong cancer
fighter. In laboratory studies, green tea has slowed or prevented the
development of cancer in colon, liver, breast, and prostate cells. It also had
a similar effect in lung tissue and skin. And in some longer term studies, tea
was associated with lower risks for bladder, stomach, and pancreatic cancers.
Grapes and Cancer
Grapes and grape juice, especially purple and red grapes,
contain resveratrol. Resveratrol has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. In laboratory studies, it has prevented the kind of damage that can
trigger the cancer process in cells. There is not enough evidence to say that
eating grapes or drinking grape juice or wine can prevent or treat cancer.
Limit Alcohol to Lower Cancer Risk
Cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, liver, and
breast are all linked with drinking alcohol. Alcohol may also raise the risk
for cancer of the colon and rectum. The American Cancer Society says that even
the suggested daily limit of two drinks for men and one for women elevates the
risk. Women at higher risk for breast cancer may want to talk with a doctor
about what amount of alcohol, if any, is safe based on their personal risk
factors.
Water and Other Fluids Can Protect
Water not only
quenches your thirst, but it may protect you against bladder cancer. The lower
risk comes from water diluting concentrations of potential cancer-causing agents
in the bladder. Also, drinking more fluids causes you to urinate more
frequently. That lessens the amount of time those agents stay in contact with
the bladder lining.
The Mighty Bean
Beans are so good
for you, it's no surprise they may help fight cancer, too. They contain several
potent phytochemicals that may protect the body's cells against damage that can
lead to cancer. In the lab these substances slowed tumor growth and prevented
tumors from releasing substances that damage nearby cells.
The Cabbage Family vs. Cancer
Cruciferous
vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy,
and kale. These members of the cabbage family make an excellent stir fry and
can really liven up a salad. But most importantly, components in these
vegetables may help your body defend against cancers such as colon, breast,
lung, and cervix
Dark Green Leafy Vegetables
Dark green leafy
vegetables such as mustard greens, lettuce, kale, chicory, spinach, and chard
have an abundance of fiber, folate, and carotenoids. These nutrients may help
protect against cancer of the mouth, larynx, pancreas, lung, skin, and stomach.
Protection From an Exotic Spice
Curcumin is the main
ingredient in the Indian spice turmeric and a potential cancer fighter. Lab
studies show it can suppress the transformation, proliferation, and invasion of
cancerous cells for a wide array of cancers.
Cooking Methods Matter
How you cook meat
can make a difference in how big a cancer risk it poses. Frying, grilling, and
broiling meats at very high temperatures causes chemicals to form that may
increase cancer risk. Other cooking methods such as stewing, braising, or
steaming appear to produce fewer of those chemicals. And when you do stew the
meat, remember to add plenty of healthy, protective vegetables.
A Berry Medley With a Punch
Strawberries and
raspberries have a phytochemical called ellagic acid. This powerful antioxidant
may actually fight cancer in several ways at once, including deactivating
certain cancer causing substances and slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Blueberries for Health
The potent
antioxidants in blueberries may have wide value in supporting our health,
starting with cancer. Antioxidants fight cancer by ridding the body of free
radicals before they can do their damage to cells. Try topping oatmeal, cold
cereal, yogurt, even salad with blueberries to boost your intake of these
healthful berries.
Pass on the Sugar
Sugar may not cause
cancer directly. But it may displace other nutrient-rich foods that help
protect against cancer. And it increases calorie counts, which contributes to
overweight and obesity. Excess weight can be a cancer risk. Fruit offers a
sweet alternative in a vitamin-rich package.
Don't Rely on Supplements
Vitamins may help
protect against cancer. But that's when you get them naturally from food. Both
the American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research
emphasize that getting cancer-fighting nutrients from foods like nuts, fruits,
and green leafy vegetables is vastly superior to getting them from supplements.
Eating a healthy diet is best.
Source:http://www.medicinenet.com/cancer_pictures_slideshow_cancer_fighting_foods/article.htm
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