Cancer Preventing Foods

Just the mention of cancer can strike fear in the strongest of the strong. Many say the treatments of chemotherapy and radiation can be debilitating due to the awful side effects. Of course there is always a chance you may need surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from your body and that can be very traumatic. It seems to me the best way to go is prevention. Doing all you can do to keep from developing cancer in the first place. Of course don't smoke, avoid using products that contain carcinogenic chemicals and it is most important to fuel your body with the right foods for optimal health.

Nutrition is our best defense against cancer. Did you know that several types of cancer have been directly linked to diet? Can what we eat really help prevent cancer? According to Dena McDowell, MS, RD, a registered dietitian for the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, what we eat does matter.

"There is a strong connection between what you eat and whether you develop cancer in your lifetime," says McDowell. In a Web Md article.

It isn't necessary to give up all the foods you like to protect yourself from cancer. Just increase the amount of foods that reduce your risk. There are some foods that are recommended by the American Cancer Society because of their cancer-fighting abilities that you should add generously to your diet.

Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbage, kale and brussel sprouts. When you chew these vegetables, they release an antioxidant called sulforaphane that Studies have shown to have a cancer-killing effect.

Berries are full of antioxidants, mainly Vitamin C and fiber. Foods with high Vitamin C could prevent esophagus cancer and high-fibre foods prevents colorectal cancer. blueberries, raspberries and strawberries contain ellagic acid, a compound known to prevent several types of cancers including lung and breast cancer. don't forget the benefits of blueberries. The pigments in blueberries are powerful antioxidants and not only good for cancer prevention but also heart disease.

Tomato's are full of lycopene which gives them the great red coloring. Research shows that lycopene helps fight prostrate, breast and lung cancer.

Citrus fruits and juices contain vitamins A and C and limonene. Limonene has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors. More research is being done with this substance found in citrus peels.

Green tea is full of antioxidants that not only give you great looking skin but also has been said to fight cancer. Research has shown this drink could be helpful in preventing bladder, colon, stomach and pancreatic cancers.

Beans such as lentils, peas and other varieties are full of fiber which many scientists believe can decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Leafy green vegetables such as mustard greens, collard greens, Kale and romaine lettuce are excellent sources of cancer preventing fiber, folate and a wide range of carotniods.

Foods belonging to the allium family of vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks and scallions contain substances now being studied for their anti-cancer effects. Garlic has shown to be quite beneficial in slowing and stopping tumor growth in prostate, stomach and colon tissue.

Whole grains are very rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and loads of natural plant compounds, called phyto-chemicals, which protect cells from the types of damage that can cause cancer.

Now that you have the information to start your own cancer prevention plan, it's time to get started and remember what you eat does matter to your good health.