Beating Cancer With Nutrition

by Wendy Wood

These days, many people worry about getting cancer and wonder if there are any steps they can take to cut their risk of this terrible disease. As well as regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet can definitely play a part in off-setting the risks.

Fruit and vegetables are extremely important anti-cancer foods and are high in antioxidants. Harmful free radicals damage the body's genetic material and can trigger cancer. The antioxidants neutralise these free radicals.

Oranges (which contain hesperitin and limonoids) and lemons (which contain limonene) have lots of vitamin C and can lower the risk of a number of cancers.

Carrots and other orange, red and yellow vegetables and fruits contain carotenoids which can also help lower the risk.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, turnip, kale and broccoli can protect against breast and colon cancer.

Fish, whole-grains and brazil nuts give good all round protection against cancer as these foods contain the mineral selenium. Studies have shown that taking selenium supplements can greatly reduce cancer risk.

Whole-grain foods, made from wheat, rice, oats and barley, contain protective antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, phytochemicals and vitamins. They can help to reduce the risk of some cancers as well as heart disease and diabetes.

Oily fish, as we've all been told countless times, is very good for you and it can halt the growth of some cancer cells.

Soya beans contain isoflavones which are known to combat cancer, heart disease and other serious illnesses. They contain several types of antioxidants which help guard against breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Garlic and onions play an important part in stimulating immune cells in the body which help to fight cancer, especially stomach cancer.

Grapes, cherries, strawberries and raspberries contain ellagic acid, which blocks an enzime required for cancer cells to grow. Apples contain flavonoids which protect against many forms of cancer. Pomegranates is a rich source of vitamin C, and other vitamins, which may help to fight cancers such as skin and breast cancer. A glass of pomegranate juice a day can also help bad cholesterol from forming, due to its antioxidant properties.

Include lots of fibre in your diet which helps to reduce the risk of breast, prostate and colon cancer.

Wherever possible, try and buy organic and include plenty of these foods in your diet.

Cut down on red meat and processed foods, frying and barbecuing and moderate your alcohol consumption.

About the Author

Wendy Wood operates www.goodnutrition-goodhealth.com , a blog all about good nutrition in relation to your health. She loves giving away free stuff and is now giving away FREE MEMBERSHIPS to her Newsletter. You're not going to believe what you get when you sign up ... it's all free. More information here: www.goodnutrition-goodhealth.com

"Let's prevent and against cancer"