Deciding to start eating healthier, and lead a more health conscious lifestyle is a great choice for everyone to make, no matter if for specific goals, or to just take charge and be healthier. More and more, however, striving to be cancer free is one of the many health benefits one can achieve, or at least greatly improve the odds of, just by making some dietary changes. Many studies are showing foods like raspberries and broccoli can help help lower your risk for many types of cancers. One survey of 3,000 women in which half of whom had breast cancer showed an almost 35% breast cancer reduction in postmenopausal women who ate 35 servings of fruits and vegetables a week.

When deciding to make some adjustments to your diet to help prevent cancer, you should not only be looking at the foods you should eat, but also the ones you should stay away from. Experts say foods high in saturated fats are a big no-no. Tumors need low density lipoproteins, (which are at high levels in someone consuming a diet high is saturated fat) to grow. Saturated fats also cause increased bile production, which when left to stagnate becomes apcholic acid, which is a carcinogen. Also be aware of hydrogenated fats. These fats are in many common everyday foods. They are created when a hydrogen molecule is added to the fat molecule. This can create carcinogenic chances in cells. Diets that are high in red meat have also been linked to increased risk of cancer, especially colon cancer. Removing red meat from the diet, or eating it sparsely can greatly reduce colon cancer risk.

With the removal of the above mentioned foods from your diet, or at least a reduction of them, you are not only well on your way to having a more anti-cancer diet, but you are also left with room to eat some of the delicious foods that are not only healthier and more filling, but will help you reduce your chances for certain cancers. First off, eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables have five major natural carcinogen blocking agents, which are phenols, indols, flavones, cumines, and isothiocyanates. Leading the way in this area is the cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cauliflower, which also boost your immunity, and block enzymes that draw cancer into healthy cells. Foods high in beta carotene are important because they have been shown to potentially inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Black Rassberries are another food which is getting a lot of coverage lately, for studies that are showing the little fruit to be a powerhouse at reducing the risk of colon and esophageal cancers.

The basics of an anti-cancer diet are simple, reduce your saturated fats, red meat and alcohol. Opt for a more plant based diet full of fruit and cruciferous vegetables. This simple diet changes will not only help to fight cancer, but will help you feel great everyday.

1. Mike Jones July 16, 2009 9:49 pm

   Hello,

   Thanks for the interesting article on how a healthy diet can prevent cancer.

   I have a friend that’s fighting stage 4 colon cancer so I know what a dreadful disease it is.
   I had my first colonoscopy at age 50. A polyp was found and removed. I’m now 58 and I had my second colonoscopy a few weeks ago. Nothing was found this time.

   I just want to remind and encourage everyone to get screened for colon cancer. The procedure itself (colonoscopy) is not painful, with the possible exception of the I.V. The preparation the day before is a little inconvenient. Plan to be close to a bathroom.

   The ‘official’ guideline is to have a colonoscopy if you are older than 50 and every 10 years thereafter. That is, if you’re at average risk. Check with your physician. Schedule an appointment today!

2. Easy Money July 21, 2009 7:02 pm

   amazing stuff thanx

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