FOODY FRIDAY: 10 Cancer Fighting Nutritional Heroes

Cancer awareness is at its all time high and seems to not look like its going to go away anytime soon. It’s great to know we have all this newfound technology to beat it but what can we do for OURSELVES to PREVENT it? You should take a lot of pride in knowing that YOU have a lot of power in how you can keep your health away from this disease and that it doesn’t have to be the inevitable.

Did you hear that? It does not HAVE TO BE the inevitable (just because it is ‘genetic’ or whatever).

I came across this list while reading our local Alive Magazine. It is always better to have as much ammunition in your pocket as you can to fight against this disease to prevent you from ever having to worry about it. And here it is…

*Always choose organic when stocking up on your cancer-busting foods. Not only are certified organic products better for the environment, free from chemical sprays and genetically modified organisms, they also contain higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants*

CRANBERRIES

Target: colon cancer, the second leading cause of male and female caner-related deaths in Canada.
The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reports antioxidant-loaded cranberries may prevent colon cancer by decreasing inflammation.

KALE

Target: uterine cancer, the most common caner of the female reproductive organs.
Researchers at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey reported that increased intake of beta carotene and vitamin C, two potent antioxidants, may reduce uterine cancer risk in women. Kale is well endowed with both.

EGGS

Target: breast cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in nine Canadian women will develop breast cancer.
A 2008 study from Mount Sinai School of Medicine found the risk of developing breast cancer was 24% lower among women who had the highest intake of choline, a nutrient needed for normal cell function. One egg, specifically the yolk, contains roughly one-quarter the recommended daily intake.

BRAZIL NUTS

Target: skin cancer, the rate of this disease continues to increase among Canadians.
Higher blood levels of antioxidant selenium may reduce skin cancer risk by about 60%, according to a 2009 study by Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Brazil nuts are natures richest source of selenium.

QUINOA

Target: pancreatic cancer, which has one of the lowest survival rates of all cancers.
A recent study in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests people who consume two or more daily servings of fibre and whole grains such as quinoa have a lower risk of pancreatic cancer than those who consume one or fewer servings.

EDAMAME

Target: prostate cancer, the most common cancer in Canadian men.
Edamae are young green soybeans endowed with genistein and daidzein. According to a 2009 study in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, these plant-based compounds mimic estrogen, reducing the risk of prostate cancer by up to 30%.

GREEN TEA

Target: lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in Canada.
A 2009 analysis conducted by Chinese scientists found 2 cups of green tea daily reduced the risk of lung cancer by 18%. This ancient beverage contains, among others, a mighty cancer-fighting antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

Target: Bladder cancer, smoking is the number one risk factor for this cancer since cancer-causing chemicals collect in the bladder.
A 2010 Australian study reported higher intake of vitamin E (at least 193 mg per day) may reduce the risk of bladder cancer by about 35%. Sunflower seeds, along with nuts and vegetable oils, are an excellent source.

SOCKEYE SALMON

Target: cancer of the esophagus, more common in men, is particularly deadly. Major risk factors include smoking, acid reflux, and drinking very hot beverages.
Scientists at the International Epidemiology Institute in Maryland discovered individuals who consumed the most vitamin D were less likely to develop esophageal and oral cancers. Sockeye salmon is brimming with the sunshine vitamin as well as omega-3 fat, another tumour tamer.

BROCCOLI SPROUTS

Target: stomach cancer, a diet high in salty and smoked foods boosts stomach cancer risk.
Broccoli sprouts are a stellar source of sulforaphane. This powerful antioxidant can fight Helicobacter pylori stomach infection, a significant risk factor for stomach cancer, says a 2009 study in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.

Until next time team, remember what we put in our grocery carts and on our dinner plats can slash the risk of several kinds of cancer!

Health respect & happiness,
Beki