Cancer Prevention---Five Foods You Want To Put In Your Shopping Cart

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

20 Nov 2006 07:56 AM

Not a day goes by that I don't hear about a "new warning" regarding foods that could cause cancer. I've written a few blogs on the subject myself, mainly because my mother is a breast cancer survivor. Since her diagnosis I actively seek out information relating to cancer. So imagine my delight when I saw a recent health report citing foods that experts say could actually prevent cancer.

According to leading dieticians, five foods that could help stave off cancer are:

1. Tofu or Soy. Dieticians say soy contains two compounds beneficial in the fight against breast and prostate cancers. I happen to love tofu, however, if you don't like the taste or texture of tofu consider getting soy into your diet via soy nuts, or veggie shred cheese that is soy based. There are soy crumbles. There are also soy burgers such as the Boca burgers, which I can even get my 2-year-old to eat.

2. Tomatoes. They contain a substance called lycopene, which doctors say acts as a very powerful anti-oxidant and protects us from many different types of cancers. Dieticians say the body absorbs lycopene best when it's mixed with fat. Two yummy examples are: Olive oil in spaghetti sauce and cheese on pizza. More good news: studies show men, who eat 10 or more servings of tomato products a day, cut their prostate cancer risk in half.

3. Green tea. My mother is a green tea fanatic. Her doctor told her that green tea is very high in catechins, which again, act as potent antioxidants in the body. Studies show drinking green tea regularly lowers the risk of bladder, colon and even lung cancer.

4. Berries. These delicious fruits contain a compound that stops the growth of cells linked to leukemia.

5. Broccoli... and all the foods in the cruciferous vegetable category. Studies show broccoli (and all the other cruciferous foods) contains a very, very high amount of phytochemicals, which are basically chemicals that help prevent cancer. By stopping carcinogens from damaging your cells. However, dieticians say chewing releases the chemicals, so they warn not to overcook cruciferous vegetables.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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drdad (503) 20 Nov 2006 08:19 PM

Guess I better work on my broccoli.

Michele Cheplic (37339) 23 Nov 2006 04:55 AM

You and millions of others. You certainly aren't alone. Thanks for the comment.

Erika Lutz (309) 17 Jan 2007 02:02 PM

This is so interesting. I really need to begin adding more fresh items into my grocery cart. And more green tea, since I ran out of that today!