Reduce the risk of cancer by following these nutrition tips
Tomatoes, cucumber, onion and pineapple salad. As we wear the ribbon, let us also go a step further and do that one thing that can help prevent cancer. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- As we wear the ribbon, let us also go a step further and do that one thing that can help prevent cancer.
- Include beans and other types of legumes in your diet. Beans are high in fibre, especially insoluble fibre, which not only lowers cholesterol levels but also has great compounds that are known to protect the body’s cells a against damage, hence preventing cancer.
This being the cancer awareness month, many people are well informed and are wearing the pink ribbon.
For some, the month represents the cancer month, while for others, it may be that they have lost a loved one or are taking care of someone with cancer.
Here are a few ideas of how you can significantly contribute to fighting or even preventing cancer.
As we wear the ribbon, let us also go a step further and do that one thing that can help prevent cancer.
Water: Drink plenty of water as it has more benefits than just quenching thirst. Water can help eliminate the risk of bladder cancer. When you drink plenty of water, it dilutes any toxic, potentially harmful substances in the body. Drinking plenty of water keeps your bladder more active making one pass urine frequently, getting rid of toxins more often.
A healthy diet: Get all your vitamins and minerals from food rather than from supplements. Food nutrients are superior.
Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol intake each day. Many types of cancers breast, liver, larynx, mouth and oesophagus are associated with drinking .
Tomatoes: The red colour in tomato is important in preventing cancer. It is called lycopene and it is known to prevent, among others, prostrate cancer.
Legumes: Include beans and other types of legumes in your diet. Beans are high in fibre, especially insoluble fibre, which not only lowers cholesterol levels but also has great compounds that are known to protect the body’s cells a against damage, hence preventing cancer.
Sugar: Avoid too much consumption of sugar as it will not only contribute to tooth decay but has potential to cause an increase your overall caloric intake. This can lead to obesity, which has been linked with certain cancers.
Berries and greens: They are a good source of phytochemicals, which protect the body from cancer. Greens, leafy vegetables have lots of fibre, folate and carotenoid, which also help protect the body against cancer.
Extra tip: Cook your food thoroughly for those foods meant to be cooked.
