Preventing Cancer With Proper Diet

By Graham Walner

Representative of the situation in many industrialized countries, cancer in the United States has become the second leading cause of death, with only heart disease surpassing it. Prevention of the disease is definitely crucial, with several effective methods available. One of the simplest yet most effective methods is to live a healthy lifestyle. Along with regular exercise, here are some of the most effective foods for preventing cancer:

1. Beans.

Soybeans, kidney beans, lentils, and chick peas are some of the best cancer-preventing ones you can eat. Such beans include special enzymes, whose activation helps to prevent cancer. The beans benefit you at the cellular level, where cancer forms and spreads. As with other foods, it's crucial to eat a wide variety of beans, to benefit from the blend of vitamins and minerals contained in each type.

2. Broccoli.

Besides being one of the healthiest foods you can eat, broccoli contains a high amount of sulforaphane. Some experts believe that this substance may help in preventing cancer. This is by preventing the division of cells and bringing about apoptosis.

3. Brown (or wild) rice.

These rice varieties are the grain in its original form. Brown rice includes all three original layers of a rice's kernel, while white rice only contains one. The extra vitamins and minerals contained in brown and wild rice function as antioxidants-and thus help to prevent cancer.

4. Garlic.

While garlic scares away vampires according to legend, it can also "scare" away cancer cells. OK, technically it activates enzymes that help to prevent the growth of tumors. About 80% of all clinical studies used to test garlic's ability to inhibit cancer, proved its effectiveness. One of the major factors is that garlic contains several compounds that seem to impede the formation and growth of cancer cells. So add some garlic (and some mints) to your diet!

5. Olive oil.

While there are tons of choices available when choosing a cooking oil, olive oil definitely provides some of the most health benefits. People have been using olive oil for centuries, and particularly in Mediterranean regions. Clinical studies reveal that olive oil may be effective in preventing certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. The reason is that olive oil is extremely high in antioxidants, which are crucial in preventing the formation of cancer cells. Olive oil is part of the overall health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine.

6. Tomatoes.

Did you know that a tomato is technically a fruit, rather than a vegetable? Anyhow, clinical studies show that cooked tomatoes in particular may be effective in preventing cancer. Tomatoes contain a substance called Lycopene, an extremely power antioxidant. Lycopene is responsible for giving tomatoes and watermelons their red color. As an antioxidant, Lycopene helps to neutralize the free radicals that could harm your body's cells (i.e. through cancer cells).

While cancer is one of the top killers in modern times, these foods can help to prevent cancer cells before they can form and multiply in your body. Preventing is indeed "better" than curing.

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