Anticancer
Shopping List
One of your best weapons in the fight against cancer could be your grocery
shopping list. Research has shown how important diet is in lowering your cancer
risk. The first step toward a healthful diet is using nutritious foods for meal
preparation. Include these items on your next shopping list, and you’re set to
go.
Flaxseed: Flaxmeal (ground flaxseed) contains ligans and omega 3
fats, which may slow tumor growth by lowering hormone levels. Add a couple of
tablespoons to your breakfast cereal for extra crunch.
Yogurt: Not only has healthy bacteria that help build your immune
system, it also contains calcium that can prevent abnormal cell growth. Simply
combine with berries or add flaxseed, and you have an easy way to eat two
healthy foods.
Berries: Fresh or frozen blueberries have anti-cancer substances.
Cruciferous vegetables: These are the family of vegetables that
include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale. They’ve been found helpful in
preventing cancer.
Tomatoes: Lycopene is the phytonutrient that protects against cancer
by blocking oxidation of the cell walls. Cooked tomatoes provide more lycopene
than raw ones, so go ahead and buy canned or jarred varieties to get the most
cancer benefit.
Citrus fruits: Grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines are now in season
and contain limonoids—the nutrient that helps keep cancer from starting in the
first place. Fruit juices also contain this beneficial phytonutrient.
Brazil nuts: They are a natural source of selenium, which can help
the body destroy cancer cells. People assume that nuts are fattening—which is
true if you eat too many. But it only takes a couple of Brazil nuts a day to
get all the selenium you need. In fact, more than two Brazil nuts a day is too
many.
Tea: Green tea is popular today, but both black and green teas
contain flavanoids, a cancer fighter. Have a few cups a day—just remember that
instant or bottled teas contain less flavanoids than fresh brewed.
SOURCE: Environmental Nutrition