With the American Cancer Society’s estimate that 1 in 2 men will develop cancer in their lifetimes, and 1 in 3 women will, both sexes have a vested interest in finding ways to reduce their chances. But how? We know that using sunscreen can reduce our risk of skin cancer and stopping (or never starting) smoking cuts our chances of developing lung cancer. And certainly losing weight can help with a whole range of health problems, including cancer, but are there certain foods we should be adding into our diets in our efforts to ward off cancer?
Crunch Time
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, have all been linked to lower risks of breast, colorectal, lung and stomach cancers. Researchers believe that these types of veggies contain chemicals that activate the natural detoxifying enzymes in your body.
Fiber-ful
Because fiber keeps the waste moving through your body, your cells have less exposure to any carcinogens. It may also help take in any extra estrogen or insulin, both of which have been linked to breast cancer.
Build Those Bones
Vitamin D and calcium are the go-to helpers for our bone health, but they have also been shown to lower a person’s risk of colorectal cancer, and possibly breast cancer as well.
Less is More
In addition to these foods your should embrace more of, there are three foods that should be enjoyed in moderation only if you want to reduce your chances of developing cancer—red and/or processed meat, alcohol and fats.
There is a strong connection between eating red and processed meat and cancer. A study done in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that eating only 2 ounces of red meat a day can increase the odds of rectal cancer by as much as 40 percent over the long-term.
So far as alcohol, moderate amounts have been shown to help with cardiovascular disease, but drinking has also been linked to breast, colon, esophagus, mouth and throat cancers. You can enjoy the occasional drink, but be wary of more than one drink a day.
Finally, a diet low in saturated fat may help ward off breast cancer. The link is still controversial, but a little less fat never hurt anyone, right?
Christopher Stipp is the Director of Online Marketing for Massage Envy. Connect with Christopher on Google+.
