Can food help prevent cancer?

It’s not just what, but how much, you eat

Antioxidants, superfoods, meat, no meat, nuts or not, sugar, alcohol, coffee. The information we hear or read about that relates to our health is mind-boggling. It is difficult to know what to believe or what might be real.

Many years of research have shown us there is a clear correlation between the food we eat and the possibility of developing different types of cancer. The concentration seems to be on our long-term habits and what that could mean for any of us to develop a cancer diagnosis.

We know that cancer is a beast all unto itself and eating junk food doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop the disease. But being careful could do great things for your body.

Scientists are coming up with certain trends we have previously written about, and it bears repeating. The emphasis is on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and plant-based protein. Eating this way has shown a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.

The price of groceries can be overwhelming these days. Frozen fruits and vegetables are great, reasonably priced and are safe to eat because of the way they are processed. Coffee and tea protect cells from damage and keeping sugar out of it helps. Dairy, and the calcium in it, appears to lower the rate of colorectal cancer risk, and fermented dairy, yogurt and kefir promotes good gut health. Anything fermented is good for your gut.¹

The clearest link between diet and cancer is obesity. It has been linked to breast, colorectal, endometrial, gastric, kidney, liver and pancreatic cancer. Whatever you might choose to eat, be conscious of how much you eat.²

Exercise at least 30 minutes a day and learn a trick I taught myself years ago. If you want a big, juicy hamburger and fries, sit next to someone who is eating it, and order something healthy. Eat vicariously through someone else. It really can be very satisfying. Let the other person have the calories and grease!

We can’t forget fiber, which is extremely important for our bodies. We have mentioned fiber several times, and for good reasons. A lot of fiber is great for our elimination. The more fiber you consume, the faster your stool speeds through your digestive tract. The faster it moves, the less exposure to carcinogens that might be lurking in your system. It whooshes through, leaving any carcinogens in the dust. ³

It’s simple and it comes down to this: Eating better can not only lower your risk of cancer, but it helps with diabetes, cardiovascular risks and dementia. Many doctors and researchers are finding all of this tied together. Make good choices.

Source: New York Times. 1: Robin Ralston, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. 2: Edward Giovannucci, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 3: Dr. K. Ng, Dana Farber Cancer Institute

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