Cancer prevention : effect of nutrition and super foods.
Rather than depending on doctors and medications, people would be a lot healthier if they got back to basics.
Proper diet and nutrition can go a long way in preventing illness and helping us to live longer, healthier lives.
This is not to say we don't need doctors or that medications aren't good for you because that is not true either - but they are only two of the many tools that we have in our fight against disease.
Cancer is the one disease that can stop the most stalwart person in their tracks. There are many other diseases just as deadly but none strike the fear in our hearts that cancer can. Perhaps because there are so many forms that cancer can take or perhaps because the treatments are often just as scary as the disease - whatever the reason, cancer is one of the most dreaded diagnoses a person can hear.
No one has been able to prove what causes cancer, although there are many theories. Some will tell you that it's in the genes and there certainly is a genetic link to many forms of cancer. Other people blame the rise in pollution and chemicals in our air and water supplies. Neither of these contributing factors give us much power to change the situation. Studies have consistently shown us that nutrition plays a big part in many diseases, especially cancer. That is one area that we have complete control over.
Cancer prevention : why you need correct nutrition.
Research has been and continues to be done into how nutrition affects our health from day to day and how it plays a role in the risk of developing cancer and other diseases. Good nutrition involves eating a balanced diet from all of the food groups in order to maintain our bodies in optimal condition. However, some foods stand out above the rest in their ability to fight cancer. Some have even gone so far as to call these nutritional powerhouses “super foods”. Super or not, there are ten foods that everyone should be including in their diet on a regular basis.
Super foods against cancer.
Garlic.
Garlic has been proven to be a natural antibiotic agent which helps the body fight off germs and bacteria. Studies have also found that garlic has powerful antioxidants which have been shown to fight the aging affects of free radicals. There are two substances in garlic that have significant health benefits. Allicin is the substance that has both antibiotic and antifungal properties while diallyl sulphides help circulation, lower cholesterol and boost the immune system.
Apples.
Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. They help lower cholesterol, boost the immune system and fight off infection. It's no wonder the old saying is “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.
Oranges.
Oranges are another fruit that is high in vitamin C which helps fight off colds and other germs. Vitamin C is also known to boost the immune system in order for the body to fight disease more effectively.
Lemons.
Lemons are another citrus fruit with properties very similar to oranges. They offer a large dose of vitamin C. Since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, it doesn't get stored in the body. In order to maintain healthy levels of vitamin C, you must eat foods containing it every day.
Broccoli.
Broccoli is a dark green vegetable that packs a huge nutritional punch. It has large amounts of cancer fighting fiber along with healthy doses of iron, calcium and other minerals. The surprise with broccoli that most people don't know is that it's also very high in vitamin C.
Beans.
Beans and other legumes are very important in the super food category. They contain huge amounts of fiber as well as being a rich source of iron and protein. They've been shown to aid in the prevention of prostate cancer, intestinal cancers and other diseases.
Carrots.
Carrots claim to fame is that they are so rich in beta carotene, a nutrient that has been shown to fight cancer. Beta carotene is also good for vision health. As other super vegetables, carrots are also very high in fiber.
Onions.
Onions are a super food that surprises many people. Onions tend to be considered more of a seasoning than a vegetable due to its pungent smell and flavor. However, onions have properties that help fight heart disease and stroke along with being known to help prevent stomach cancer.
Seaweed.
Seaweed is another super food that most people don't think about, at least in the western countries. Eastern countries have known for years that seaweed is very good for you. It is rich in cancer fighting nutrients like iodine, calcium, magnesium and iron.
Salmon.
Salmon is a fatty fish so some mistake this as meaning fattening. That is not the case, though. It is known as a fatty fish because it is loaded with omega-3 fats which is a fat that is actually good for your heart. Studies show that people who eat salmon at least once per week can reduce their chance of a heart attack by half. Salmon also contains all the minerals proven to help prevent different forms of cancer.
Now you know of ten of the world's best “super foods” that can help prevent many diseases including cancer. Adding all of these foods into your diet on a regular basis will help you be healthier overall and go a long way towards keeping you healthier in the future.
