Cancer as we know, is the one of the leading causes of
death, alongside heart disease, here in North America and has effected many of
us, one way or another. There are many cancer risk factors, that if we take
care of ourselves properly can be prevented such as; diet, weight and physical
activity. A whopping one third of all cancer deaths come from bad diets and
lack of physical activity alone (1).
After many years and billions of dollars in research, what if all along the
foods we eat can act as preventative medicine to help conquer cancer? Just by
taking a little more notice of the foods we put into our bodies, could
potentially make cancer history, so it dies off and is one never to be seen
again instead.
So what are the most important foods to consume to help beat
cancer? Foods rich in antioxidants (such as carotenoids and Vitamin C), Omega-3
essential fatty acid (EFA), phytochemicals (plant chemicals) and high in fibre
have shown to be beneficial in warding off nasty cancer causing substances.
Lets take a look at what foods contain these super substances:
Antioxidant
abundance:
Antioxidants are the body’s major defense against free
radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals cause havoc in the body, causing
damage everywhere in their path. Antioxidants neutralize them, therefore
stopping them in their tracks to ensure they can’t cause any further damage. It
only makes sense to consume more antioxidant rich foods, to make sure we have a
consistent supply of these fantastic little free radical fighters to maintain
optimal health. Antioxidants pack in a powerful punch when it comes to putting
up a fight with cancer causers and diseased invaders. They can be found in many
fresh (organic is best) fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits,, green
leafy veggies, broccoli and goji berries along with chia and hemp seeds, and
raw cacao. By taking a look at the US department of agriculture and their ORAC scores
(Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), raw cacao powder is one of the highest
sources of antioxidants at a staggering 98,000 ORAC score. Raw cacao nibs come
in close behind at a massive 62,000, with goji berries coming in with a huge
25,000 score. Consumption of Goji Berries has shown to have huge impact on
human health, performance and disease prevention (2) Comparing
these numbers to the recommended per person 3000-5000 ORAC unit consumption per
day, raw cacao and goji’s jam in a truly unbeatable amount!
Veggie proteins and
Omega-3
Sadly, the majority of society today sees fatty steaks and
burgers as their only protein source that can hide a lot of scary chemicals.
The truth is, there are a lot of whole food vegetable protein options our there
also including seeds, vegetables and grains that contain a lot more than just protein
and are such a versatile (and easy!) addition to any family’s diet. An
abundance of Omega 3 essential fatty acid, fiber and complete protein can be
found in nutrient rich foods such as quinoa, hemp seeds, chia seeds and
vegetables which all contain an amazing full package of cancer fighting
substances to help keep you happy and healthy inside and out.
Upping your intake of these foods and their plant-based
proteins, compared to that of fatty meats, has been shown to have anti-cancer
benefits due to reduced intake of ‘bad fats’ and increase of cancer fighting
phytochemicals, protein, omega 3 and fiber. An Italian study showed a diet rich
in vegetables protects us from the risk of developing the most common
epithelial cancers and nasty neoplasms (3).
An essential fatty acid, Omega 3, has also been shown to
have anti-cancer benefits by weakening and reducing cancer cells from a variety
of cancers such as colonic, pancreatic, prostate and breast cancers found in
humans (4).
So how about this simple solution to help contribute to a cancer fighting body:
cut out (or at least reduce to start) fatty meats, and increase crisp, fresh
vegetables, wholesome whole grains such as nutty quinoa along with hemp and
chia super seeds. Sounds delish and your body will thank you!
Say goodbye
What if by following these simple, dietary changes we could
help beat cancer forever? The evidence is there that by cutting out bad dietary
habits and simply starting by avoiding those drive-thru’s, increasing exercise,
and including a daily diet that incorporates all of the above antioxidants,
vegetable proteins, and wholesome fiber packed grains, we can stand up for our
bodies and say NO to cancer. After all, isn’t a whole superfoods diet like this
the type we should be eating anyway?
For RAW-some recipes on how to help you conquer cancer with
these top superfoods, visit www.mumsoriginal.com
and help prepare to say good riddens to cancer.
