Cancer
is a disease that we all wish didn't exist. It ravages the body and the lives
of those around the sufferer. No one can predict who will and who won’t get
cancer. But, one way that you can reduce your risk of certain kinds of cancers
is through watching your nutritional intake.
You
are what you eat. Even when you are young, eating poorly will eventually catch
up with you. Eating a natural diet not only helps your body by boosting your
immune system, it also keeps the body operating in good condition on the
inside.
One
cancer that is a big concern these days is breast cancer. Besides having yearly
mammograms when you turn 40, women can also make nutritional changes to lower
their risk.
Fruits and Vegetables
One
way to do that is to eat more fruits and vegetables. These foods contain
complex carbohydrates as well as other substances like antioxidants.
Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body. Free radicals are
by-products of cellular metabolism. They also come from the environment,
second-hand smoke, foods and stress.
These
particles bombard the organs and cause the signs of aging and the breakdown of
body systems that can lead to diseases like cancer. Here are some types of
fruits and vegetables that are particularly good for fighting cancer:
Cruciferous veggies
- These are your broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. They
contain sulfur compounds that help fight cancer.
Alliums - This is a type of
vegetable family that includes onions, garlic and leeks. They may make you cry
when you cut them, but they are good for you. Garlic helps lower cholesterol.
All of them contain antimicrobial properties. In addition, they can slow or
retard cancer growth.
Berries - Raspberries,
strawberries and blueberries are just a few of these fruits that contain lots
of antioxidant substances. Antioxidants can increase your resistance to disease
as they help your body fight back. Consume as many antioxidants as you can
naturally. These and other fruits contain phenols, which help boost the immune
system.
Soy
Soy
is a form of plant protein. When it comes to protein, we often get the bulk of
it from animal sources. The disadvantage of this is that animal meat also
contains a lot of fat. It is the fats that we don’t need. Soy provides all the
benefits of lean protein without that added fat.
Legumes and Nuts
This
group includes beans, lentils and peanuts. Legumes are rich in protein and low
in fat. Beans are also high in fiber which flushes fat out of your system as it passes. Fiber
also prevents constipation and helps your digestive system to function
properly. Nuts contain protein and fat. Healthy fats and oils in nuts are
crucial for your body’s cells.
While
no one can predict cancer in any one person, you can reduce your risk
significantly with a healthy diet.
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