According to the American Cancer Society, more than 50% of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthier choices that lower risk.
That’s a stunning statistic.
Healthier choices include:
- not smoking
- eating quality food
- being physically active on a regular basis
- maintaining a healthy weight
- undergoing regular cancer screenings
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this post offers some inexpensive, everyday foods that will support your weight loss or weight maintenance and also offer an added layer of prevention against cancer.
6 Cancer-Fighting Foods, Excellent for Weight Loss
Incorporating these foods into your diet can also help ward off other serious chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity.
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
The “Big Three” ─ raw broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage ─ help jumpstart the creation of toxin-clearing enzymes that keep working long after you’ve enjoyed these nutrient-packed powerhouses.
2. Tea
Every day, treat yourself to a few steaming cups of green, back, oolong or white tea. It’s been found to help lower risk of breast, colon, lung and ovarian cancers.
3. Ginger
This fresh or dried fragrant spice contains gingerol and zingerone. Both have been found to offer significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Rosemary
This herb contains carnosol, a natural chemical found to help reduce breast cancer risk. Add to it vegetables and meats for a nice flavor enhancer.
5. Grapefruit
A personal favorite, it includes vitamin C that can help block the formation of cancer-causing compounds. Oranges and bell peppers will also do the same.
6. Pecans and Walnuts
Besides being a filling and a tasty snack, these nuts contain ellagic acid, a nutrient that research has shown diminishes cancer cell growth. If you are dieting, limit your intake to about 8 to 10 nuts daily.
Eating Right… Most of the Time
When it comes to food, none of us are perfect all the time. And, thankfully, the human body makes allowances so we can enjoy an occasional treat. The important message in fighting against cancer and other diseases is to simply try to eat right and ‘be good’ most of the time.
By adding the foods above to your meals and snacks, you’re doing just that.
While cancer rates here in New Jersey are decreasing, we still have one of the higher incidences of the disease in the nation. Therefore, we have to protect ourselves with all the ammunition we have.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.