Lowering Your Cancer Risk

vegetables for good health

It's probably something you've heard day in and day out for years. But it's so important, it bears repeating. A good diet, rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vegetables is your first line of defense against developing cancer. A diet composed of these natural ingredients can assist you in reducing your risk of cancer. If you've fallen off the vegetable wagon, here's a handy reminder. Try to add something new from this list every week and keep it in your permanent diet. [I know I'm going to take a closer look at fruit juices and green teas.]

Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts and turnips stimulate the immune system and help protect against colon, stomach and respiratory cancers.

Food rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice and other citrus fruits may help prevent mouth, esophageal, lung, stomach and colon cancers.

Tomatoes, especially in processed food products, like ketchup and tomato sauce, contain another powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which may help lower your risk of developing cancer.

Real teas, such as green, white and oolong are rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants, which help protect the body against diseases by counteracting the harmful effects of cell damage from free radicals.

Here's something I have done over the years. Instead of snacking on chips -- well, I should say, "pigging out" on chips -- I make up a veggie plate with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peppers, cucumbers and celery -- all fresh and crunchy. Have a small cup of dressing for dipping and you're good to go. It's an easy and quick way to get your daily servings and help keep yourself healthy. We often munch on these as an appetizer an hour before dinner or as a healthy snack while watching TV in the afternoon.

For more information: National Foundation for Cancer Research, antioxidants, anti-cancer diet, cancer prevention, foods & cancer, what to eat or avoid, foods for cancer prevention.

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