We Live With The Threat Of Cancer
Since long, we humans have always been living with the fear of the dreadful disease called cancer. It is an anomalous growth of cells, and is also referred to as malignancy. Greek physician, Hippocrates (460-370 BC), framed the word cancer.
Yes, as of now, most of us are aware that normally, some types of cancer cannot be detected at the early stages. We are glad that several types of disease are curable now, due to advancements in research and technology. Still, we do come across people living with this end stage renal disease (ESRD). Sadly, there’s no guaranty for their survival.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
So, as always said “Prevention is better than cure” we can at least try to avoid or get rid of this awful illness. Most importantly, we need to be on a food alert. This means that we have to eat right in the right manner and at the right time. According to a study recently published in the JNCI Cancer Spectrum, it was confirmed that diet has a major impact on one’s lifestyle, whether the disease is developed or not.
Dr. Fang Fang Zhang, lead author of the study and an associate professor of epidemiology at Tufts University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy in Boston, said, she hoped that we are aware that a large amount of new cancer cases could be prevented through diet modification.
As per the researchers, 84% of cancer cases in America are the direct consequences of poor dietary habits. Those were patients consuming too much meat and not enough of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy products. They also discovered that colon cancer is of the most common types which can be related to unsatisfactory eating practices. Evidently, males and middle-aged adults were at a higher risk of such disease, linked with diet. Other types of new cases related to poor dietary habits were breast cancer (postmenopausal), cancer of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx, stomach, kidney, liver and uterine cancer.
Let’s Improve Our Diet
Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, beans, tomatoes and peas have anticancer properties. Berries and citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, limes, and oranges, lower the risk of this illness. Other ingredients which can prove beneficial are whole grains, legumes (lentils), cinnamon, olive oil, garlic, turmeric, nuts, fatty fish and seeds like flaxseed.
We need to avoid foods which are high in salt, sugar and fat. Also, processed foods like chips, chocolate bars, frozen foods like pizza, desserts, French fries and chicken, soft, energy and sports drinks and processed meat should be excluded from our diet. Red meat intake in less quantity is advisable. Of course, limitation to alcohol intake is best.
Apparently, it is clear from new researches that your diet can be linked to the risk of developing cancer. Further studies are being carried out in this matter. Hence, let us help ourselves and our families in maintaining a healthy diet as well as lifestyle. Let us include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and fibre, which can provide us optimum protection against cancer. And yes, don’t forget to exercise!
