Eating to prevent Cancer

Doctors and dietitians strongly recommend that two-thirds of our plates be filled with vegetables, fruit, beans and grains.

Jan 15, 2007 Sylvia McGrath

Scientists have done some extensive studies on the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant food and why these foods can prevent or stop the development of tumors.

Cancer is a word that everyone dreads and is fearful of hearing; yet most of us have been touched by cancer whether it is you or if a loved one has been diagnosed.

Over the years research has done wonders. In many cases having cancer would mean that you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness... People today however have endless information that advises them of up-to-date information on treatments and prevention and cancer is no longer a death sentence for many. Scientists have done some extensive studies on the minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in plant food and why these foods can prevent or stop the development of tumors. Doctors and dietitians strongly recommend that two-thirds of our plates be filled with vegetables, fruit, beans and grains.

Foods that help fight cancer: Antioxidant foods with vitamin B6

• Dark Green Leafy Vegetable
• Root Vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Whole Grains, Flax Seed, & Soya
• Garlic
• Beans
• Carrots
• Berries
• Apples
• Cherries
• Walnuts
• Watermelon
• Pink Grapefruits
• Grapes
• Fruit and Vegetable Juices
• White meat
• Fish

Other food facts:

· By eating an orange a day can help keep the strain of bacteria that can cause peptic ulcers and stomach cancer away

The best way to cook foods:

• Vegetables retain their nutritional value if steamed
• Grilled foods are better for you than fried foods
• Avoid over cooking foods on the barbeque
• Avoid using chemicals as a way to heat the barbeque.

Avoid over cooking on barbecue since charred or blackened foods have a high content of harmful chemical. Cook slowly so that smoke is less likely to cover the food.

No single food can protect one from cancer but one can reduce the risk by eating the right types of foods which are predominantly plant based foods which can give your system a boost.

• Ensure that all meat, poultry and seafood’s are cooked thoroughly to destroy germs or bacteria. Cook these foods at a lower temperature by stewing, steaming or in the over or crock pot over a longer period of time
• When cooking with a microwave oven ensure that foods are thoroughly cooked.
• Eat smoked foods i.e. smoked salmon, sausages etc.. in small amounts perhaps keeping only for special occasions

For more information on diet and other cancer preventions go to www.aicr.org and www.cancer.ca

The copyright of the article Eating to prevent Cancer in General Medicine is owned by Sylvia McGrath. Permission to republish Eating to prevent Cancer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.