Anti-cancer Diets
Nutrition Corner
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In the last twenty years, I have heard of many things which decrease the risk of cancer or can even cure it. These include taking more Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and/or Coenzyme Q-10, as well as a long list of herbs and minerals. Many of us have heard stories of people that took whatever and their tumors disappeared, but what does research say?
Unfortunately, research studies have not shown that any nutritional supplements have a significant impact on cancer prevention or cure rate. Preventing cancer? The best we can do is look at how the dietary habits of those who do have cancer compare with the habits of those who don’t have cancer. What’s different? There are many things that contribute someone’s risk; diet is only one factor. Other factors may include genetics, stress, environment, weight, and the list goes on. Someone may be “at risk,” but never have cancer; whereas someone without any risk factors actually may develop a cancer.
What is known? Obesity increases the risk of various types of cancer including breast and colon cancers. However non-obese people also get cancer, and obesity also increases the potential for non-cancerous conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes and arthritis.
According to the American Cancer Society, some studies show that eating animal products, primarily fatty meats, increases the risk of getting cancer. We have known for years that certain fats, including animal fats, can weaken the immune system (which is necessary for fighting cancer cells as well as colds), increase inflammation (think arthritis, lupus and heart attacks) and can feed tumors. A diet high in these fats can mess with the body in many different ways, in addition to the heart clogging effect that we have known about for years.
Another dietary factor to decrease your cancer risk is eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as increasing the fiber content of your diet. Whole grain is better is better than white flour; fresh, unpeeled fruit is better than canned fruit, which is better than juice. Colorful is better than bland. Why? Probably because there are numerous vitamins and minerals that we know a healthy body needs, as well as other things which nature provides in these foods which science has yet to discover. Just do not think that deep fried zucchini sticks or bananas have the same benefit as the not fried, natural version. They don’t.
While reviewing a number of studies for this article, I noticed something: a healthy diet and lifestyle, as well as having a body that is more in-shape than out-of-shape (at least getting some exercise), is your best defense against developing cancer. You might also be able to prevent a lot of other diseases or health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, for no extra cost. In case you need treatment or surgery, a well-taken-care-of body will survive that better too. Cars perform better with good maintenance, so does the body.
