Innovative Diets Relating to Cancer Prevention

The link between diet and cancer prevention has often been viewed with skepticism or underestimated by the general public. Certainly, there is no 鈥渕agic bullet鈥 food that can absolutely protect a person from developing cancer. However, scientific research has shown significant, evidence-based benefits to consuming certain foods to help reduce one鈥檚 risk of cancer.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

Over the last decade or so, 鈥渁ntioxidant鈥 has become something of a buzz word in health and nutrition circles. Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize other chemicals known as 鈥渇ree radicals鈥 in the body. Free radicals are naturally occurring and, usually, are valuable in normal cell function, but they are also highly reactive and capable of harming cells when present at excessive concentrations.

Free radicals can become too highly concentrated as a result of various environmental sources, including radiation and toxins like cigarette smoke, certain metals, and even an excess of oxygen. When these free radicals exist in high concentrations, they can do damage to cell membranes, proteins, and even DNA. It鈥檚 this damage that鈥檚 thought to be related to the development of cancer cells.

Because antioxidants are naturally capable of neutralizing free radicals, the presence of antioxidants in a person鈥檚 diet may help to keep free radical levels down and, potentially, prevent the cell damage that could lead to cancer.

Examples of foods containing high amounts of antioxidants include1:

  • Various berries:
    • Cranberries, goji berries, wild blueberries, elderberries, etc.
    • Dark chocolate
    • Pecans
    • Artichokes
    • Pomegranates/pomegranate juice

Vitamin D

Another possible cancer prevention tool is a diet rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D isn鈥檛 one particular compound鈥攊t鈥檚 a group of fat-soluble chemicals that can be turned into hormones by the body. These chemicals are necessary for the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which is why a vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone conditions like rickets and osteomalacia.

Humans primarily require vitamin D2 and D3 for proper health. Vitamin D3 is the kind that we鈥檙e able to make when the skin is exposed to sunlight, while vitamin D2 is the kind that is made by plants. It鈥檚 this vitamin D2 that can play a big role in a cancer prevention diet.

Foods rich in vitamin D include2:

  • Oily/fatty颅颅颅颅颅 fish
    • Tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.
    • Eggs (especially the yolks)
    • Cheese
    • Dairy products and juices fortified with vitamin D
    • Mushrooms (grown in sunlight)

Berries

Of course, it鈥檚 important to remember that even though vitamin D is good, any substance can become toxic if ingested in excessive amounts. Always make sure to follow daily intake recommendations and try not to overdo it on supplements.

Monitor Your Health and Learn How to Maintain It at 麻豆传媒高清版

Whether or not you have a family history of cancer or are worried about your risk, it鈥檚 important to keep an eye on your overall health with a primary care provider. If you鈥檙e interested in starting your own cancer prevention diet, it鈥檚 equally important that you consult with your doctor before making any major changes to your intake.

To make an appointment to discuss your health concerns and learn more about how you can reduce your cancer risk, contact 麻豆传媒高清版 at (646) 962-2800.


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