Your Diet Can Reduce Cancer Risk

Did you know that your diet can help reduce your cancer risk?  There is no single magic bullet, but rather a combination of foods working together that helps lower your risk.  The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) stated that when it comes to cancer risk, diet does matter.

They suggest eating an overall healthy diet that will not only protect against cancer, but also cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases.  Evidence supports that your diet plays an important role in some types of cancer than in others.  Below are some suggestions of healthy foods to include in your diet:

• Diets high in whole grains and other foods containing fiber protect against colorectal cancer.
• Diets high in carrots, squash, and other foods containing carotenoids reduce the risk of mouth, pharynx, and larynx cancers.
• Diets high in non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, lettuces, and beans protect against esophageal cancer.
• Cutting processed meat out of the diet, and moderating red meat intake to no more than 18 ounces (cooked) per week, reduces colorectal cancer.
• Foods high in vitamin C probably lower the risk of esophageal cancer.
• Foods high in lycopene probably lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Reference:  Health & Nutrition Letter, Tufts University, September 2014, Best Food Choices to Reduce Your Cancer Risk, p.1.