The Best Anti-Cancer Diet

Your dietary choices are of primary concern as certain foods actually increase the risk of cancer, while others strengthen the immune system and fight-off cancer. By making the right dietary choices, you can safeguard yourself against cancer.

The foremost step in waging a battle against cancer is to opt for a low-fat, high-fiber diet, one that includes lots of fresh vegetables and fruits. 

Studies show that a high-fat diet leads to increased risk of cancers of the endometrium, prostate, colon and rectum as well as cardiovascular disease.

Adopting a healthy, anti-cancer lifestyle may help save your life.

The Best Foods To Fight Cancer

 

The following are the best anti-cancer foods:

Fiber:  Add more fiber to your diet as it plays a vital role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer by ensuring your digestive system is clean & healthy. It moves cancer-causing compounds quickly through the intestines, minimizing the contact time between the intestinal wall and the carcinogens. Fiber also lowers the risk of breast cancer.

Rich sources of anti-cancer fiber are: whole grain bread, wheat bran, whole wheat, barley, whole grains, oatmeal, brow rice, kidney beans, pinto, navy beans, garbanzo beans,  legumes and lentils, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, artichokes, peas, spinach, carrots, corn, tomatoes, potatoes and Brussels sprouts, raspberries, pears, apples, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, blueberries, apricots, mango, citrus fruits, prunes, dried fruit and raisins.

Veggies:Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower and mustard greens, play a vital role in reducing the risk of cancer.These veggies contain 3 cancer-protective biochemicals which reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer.

Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin C that helps prevent cellular damage leading to cancer. Tomatoes contain the well known compound lycopene – which is known to defend against cancers of the mouth, lungs, prostate and cervix. Lycopene attacks free radicals suspected of promoting cancer. “The Mediterranean Diet”, which is celebrated for its many significant health benefits, includes tomatoes as one of its chief ingredients.

Sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkins, broccoli, butternut, winter squash, spinach, papaya and mango are rich sources of beta carotene which blocks the growth of cancerous cells.

Jalapenos and chili peppers contain the chemical capsaicin which neutralizes substances that cause cancer.

Fruit:Besides being high in Vitamin C content, lemons and oranges contain Iimonene that stimulates cancer-fighting immune cells. Blueberries are a rich source of flavenoids and are known to safeguard against several cancers. Raspberries have loads of vitamins, minerals, & antioxidants, believed to defend against cancer. The same holds good for cranberries, blackberries, red & purple grapes.

Soy: Soy has potent anti-cancer properties that help protect against most types of cancer, including stomach, rectal, colon, prostate, breast and lung.Include soybeans, soya flour, soya flakes, soya nuts, tempeh, tofu, or soy milk in your daily diet to lessen the risk of cancer.

Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds contain 2 anti-cancer compounds – lignans and omega 3 fatty acids – which help lower the risk of colon cancer and breast cancer. Have ground flaxseeds as they have potent anti-cancer properties.

Garlic: Garlic contains numerous compounds that help defend against cancer.  The sulphur compounds help fight cancer by neutralizing harmful carcinogens & slowing tumor growth. Studies have shown garlic’s anti-cancer properties help reduce the risk of skin cancer, stomach, colon and lung cancer.

Green Tea:Switch toGreen Tea as it contains flavonoids that slow, and even check the development of breast, colon, liver and prostate cancer.

 Seafood:Seafood is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids, which have ant-inflammatory properties. Good choices includetuna, salmon, sardines, black cod and herring.

Olive/Canola Oil: Olive or canola oil, are monounsaturated vegetable oils that help prevent cancer. People, who have the olive oil-rich Mediterranean diet, show a lower incidence of cancer.

Nuts & Seeds:Nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds,pumpkin seeds, pecans, hazelnuts and sesame seeds contain powerful antioxidants that help suppress cancer growth. 

Lead a cancer-free life by eating right and staying fit.  

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Health Hazards of Chlorinated Water

According to Spanish researchers, people who swim regularly in chlorinated water or shower/bathe frequently have increased chances of getting bladder cancer.

Chlorine is a well known chemical that’s widely recommended & used for sanitizing swimming pools. Although chlorine is used as a common disinfectant to de-contaminate drinking water and swimming pools, recent studies show it is fast turning into a serious health hazard.

Chlorine & Cancer

Chlorinating water creates a by-product called Trihalomethanes (THMs) that are carcinogenic chemicals capable of being absorbed through your skin and damage vital cells, leading to bladder, colon, rectal & breast cancer.

Chlorine & Cardiovascular Disease

Studies show that drinking unfiltered, chlorinated water increases serum cholesterol levels, the primary suspect in causing arteriosclerosis, leading to heart attacks.

Other Side Effects

Swimming in chlorinated water causes brittle, dry and lusterless hair and can cause acne, rashes, respiratory problems, and eye and skin irritation.

How to Protect Yourself

A simple remedy for the harmful effects of chlorine in drinking water is to install a water filter, at the faucet you use most for drinking, and also on every shower head. Lower your risk of THM exposure by not taking frequent swims and showers.

Related Articles

• Absorbing chlorinated water ‘a cancer risk’ (telegraph.co.uk)
• Drinking bottled water is pointless as you absorb ‘cancer risk’ chemicals through the skin anyway, say scientists (dailymail.co.uk)
• Eliminate Chlorine From Your Water (lewrockwell.com)

HDL ‘Good Cholesterol’ Diet for a Healthy Heart

Cholesterol is believed to be the leading cause of a heart attack.

Cholesterol is of 2 types – HDL or high-density lipoprotein is good cholesterol and LDL or low-density lipoprotein is bad cholesterol.

It’s healthy to have your HDL levels at 40mg/dl & above while keeping your LDL levels sub-130 mg/dl.

If you have low levels of HDL (<35mg/dL) then it constitutes a risk factor, although your total cholesterol is well within the defined limits, as your chances of having heart disease are higher. Your risk of heart disease reduces by 2 – 4% for every 1 mg/dL rise in your HDL cholesterol.

You can increase your HDL good cholesterol levels and lower your LDL bad cholesterol levels by adopting the following diet:

* Onions, Garlic and Leeks

Besides imparting a wonderful flavor to meals, they help lower total cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. For best results have onions and garlic raw.

* Lentils & Beans

Your daily diet must include about 3 to 4 ounces of dry or canned beans to up HDL good cholesterol levels. Eat lentils, peas, Brussels sprouts, and beans (lima, kidney, black, pinto, navy).

* Nuts & Seeds

To bring down your blood cholesterol levels add nuts to your weekly diet. Choose from peanuts, pistachio, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts or walnuts. They have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties, and are, therefore, excellent for combating heart disease.

Coriander seeds, too, help raise HDL cholesterol.

* Soluble Fiber

Have at least 2 servings of soluble fiber-rich foods. Soluble fiber helps raise HDL good cholesterol levels and lowers total cholesterol. Whole grains, brown rice, oats & oat bran, barley, blackberries, raisins, pears, grapefruit, oranges, figs, prunes, dates, apricots, legumes, sweet potato and broccoli, are excellent sources of soluble fiber.

* Monounsaturated Fats

Use cooking oils that are high in monounsaturated fats, like olive or canola oil as monounsaturated fats raise your HDL levels. Foods rich in monounsaturated fats are olives, avocado, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, peanuts, almonds, pistachio nuts, cashews, and peanut butter.

* Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Your diet must include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, canola oil, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, green leafy vegetables, etc.

* Daily have at least 2 servings of soy and soy products like tempeh and tofu to raise HDL levels.

*Avoid Trans fats – French fries, snack foods, fast food, fried foods that create or use hydrogenated oils.

*Refined carbohydrates such as sugar & refined flour are a total no-no as they raise blood cholesterol & triglycerides.

*Avoid high-cholesterol foods such as egg yolks, liver, shellfish, foie gras and sweetbreads.  

*Shun high fat dairy products like butter, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

*Minimize alcohol intake.

*Follow a regular exercise regimen.

Stay fit and healthy by following a HDL ‘good cholesterol’ diet

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• Safflower Oil for a Healthy Heart (bluebell25.wordpress.com)

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