Diet Plays A Vital Role In Cancer Protection
October 31st, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Believe it or not, cancer deaths could be reduced by 33% if people were a little bit more aware of what kinds of foods they should be eating. That figure has been revealed by The National Cancer Institute.
What you eat can very often determine how long you are going to live and whether you are at risk from cancer or not. The American Cancer Society carried out a telephone survey and found that ignorance about lifestyle choices and their impact on a person’s health was staggeringly high. Sadly, many of these people are the ones most likely to succumb to cancer. The importance of information and education campaigns cannot be overstressed.
The fact that chili peppers are so spicy makes us believe that they are not too good for the stomach.Nothing could be further from the truth! They are a valid ally in the fight against stomach cancer simply because they contain a chemical called capsaicin which neutralizes nitrosamines which cause cancer.
Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage also have had a great press and not without good reason ! These are the vegetables that contain a chemical that can transform a cancer producing estrogen into a much milder one. This is well documented for the prevention of breast cancer. Brocoli get an extra prize in that they contain the chemical sulforaphane which can help to prevent certain cancers such as rectal cancer.
Carrots contain beta-carotene which are well known for helping sunbathers get a quick safe tan. Apart from that, they contain a chemical called falcarinol which has been effective in preventing cancer. My other favourite is the avocado because I know it is a potent antioxidant which will fight the free radicals which cause cancer.
Alcohol has come in for a lot of scrutiny. Some researchers regard it as a carcinogen and indeed , if it is consumed in great quantities, can lead to all sorts of diseases and damage the liver. But red wine, if consumed in moderate quantities, can help in the fight against cancer. This is because red wine has lots of polyphenols which are antioxidants. In addition the skin of the grapes contains resveratol which can inhibit cancer cells from multiplying.
Monoterpenes are most useful substances which can sweep out carcinogens from the body. Most citrus fruits contain these such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit. These fruits are also full of vitamin C, folic acid and beta-carotene.
Add nuts, mushrooms and figs to all these good things to eat and you have many of the essential ingredients of the Mediterranean Diet which has been researched all over the world because it is such a healthy diet and can play a significant part in preventing heart disease and lowering cancer rates. Why go to all the fuss of complicated meal plans, calorie counting and difficult recipes when you can all the benefits of tasty, easy food which the Mediterranean Diet provides.
About the Author:
Which weight loss program is in the forefront for preventing heart disease and reducing cancer rates? The Mediterranean Diet Time for up to date news on Health, Wellness and Fitness. Visit The Wellness Bible Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
