The Handy Nutrition Answer Book by Patricia Barnes-Svarney

Author:Patricia Barnes-Svarney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Visible Ink Press
Published: 2015-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Diverticulitis is a condition in which deep pockets appear in the intestine that can easily become infected.

CANCER, DIABETES, AND OTHER DISEASES

Is there a connection between cancer and nutrition?

Although there is a wide discrepancy of percentages between studies—from 30 to 50 percent—most researchers agree that there are some connections between diet and cancers. In particular, there is a general agreement that a diet high in fat and processed foods (especially those foods that are salt-cured, smoked, charcoal-grilled, or prepared with certain fermentation processes can lead to some types of cancer, and this could be avoided with proper nutrition. Besides cutting back on fats and processed foods, and along with eating more fiber, proper nutrition also means eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that have cancer-fighting benefits. For example, broccoli contains beta carotene, vitamin C, fiber, and phytochemicals—all of which help to fight cancers. Nutritionists advocate eating whole grains (especially for fiber) and a variety of various vegetables and fruits that have either one or several such nutrients to help your system fight off cancers. (And, of course, along with eating well, you can fight cancers if you stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake.)

What are some of the best “cancer-fighting” foods?

There are some cancer-fighting foods that nutritionists point to when it comes to diet. The following list describes only a few of those foods, and why they are important in keeping cancers away:

Buckwheat—This seed is nutrition rich, with magnesium, iron, and plenty of protein and fiber. It is also known to lower cholesterol levels, help build and strengthen blood vessels throughout the entire body, and to lower blood pressure. As for cancer, buckwheat contains a known cancer-fighter, called rutin.

Tomatoes—Tomatoes, and their products such as sauces, contain lycopene—a known fighter against such cancers as prostate cancer.

Green tea—Green tea has long been known for its healthy benefits, especially in Chinese medicine. It is thought that a catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can help fight cancer by reducing the formation of carcinogens in the body, and boosting our immune systems. In fact, many researchers believe that EGCG may be one of the most potent cancer-fighting compounds yet discovered in foods.

Alliums—The allium family of plants—primarily garlic, onions, and shallots—are thought to contain cancer-fighting sulfur compounds. These substances may help to boost a person’s immune system—and thus keep certain cancers away.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains—And as most nutritionists agree, the top way to fight cancer—and of course to be healthy—is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in flavonoids (such as broccoli and apples); legumes (such as lentils and kidney beans) that have high fiber and many cancer-fighting minerals and vitamins; and whole grains (such as whole wheat and oats) that are rich in selenium—a mineral associated with fighting off cancers.

What foods are associated with certain cancers?

There are many foods that have been associated with certain types of cancer. One of the most well known are processed foods. For example, people who eat large amounts of smoked, fried, cured, pickled, or processed meats are often found to have a higher incidence of stomach and esophageal tumors.

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