Resisting Cancer Via Nutrition

Nutrition, health experts say, is the most promising means of controlling cancer. We know now that every cell in the body is replaced over a period of seven years. The new cells are made up of the nourishment taken into the body. You are, literally, what you eat. Although, there are natural chemical carcinogens in many food plants, but they are counterbalanced by a wide range of nutrients that help prevent cancer. The key is to eat more cancer-preventive foods and at the same time avoid substances known to promote the disease.

M. Roffers, writing in his bestselling book, “How to Fight Cancer with Your Fork,” said that the armories of our defense system require specific nutrients to function effectively. These include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, and the mineral selenium. Fiber and a class of substances called “indoles” found in vegetables of the cabbage family are also powerful cancer preventives. The following is adapted from the book :

* Vitamin A

Beta-carotene is found in dark yellow, orange, and green fruits, in particular apricots and cantaloupe, and in vegetables such as carrots, leaf lettuce, asparagus, and broccoli. It helps to prevent cancers of the epithelial tissue, which forms your skin and the linings of your lungs, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and colon.

* Vitamin C

This potent vitamin is found primarily in citrus fruits, green peppers, cantaloupe, and broccoli. It is associated with a low incidence of cancers of the esophagus, stomach, bladder, and colon. Vitamin C also helps to control the effects of food high in nitrates such as pickled, cured, or smoked foods. Research indicates that foods high in nitrates contribute to esophagus and stomach cancer, and that, even when nitrate-containing foods are eaten, vitamin C helps to prevent these illnesses.

* Vitamin E and Selenium

Vitamin E prevents fats and oils from becoming rancid. High-fat diets are strongly linked to cancers of the colon and breast. It also protects cell membranes. Selenium also plays a similar biochemical role and also protects cell membranes.

* Fiber & Indoles

Fiber is particularly effective in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Many cancer-prevention authorities recommend doubling the amount of fiber in the diet. You can do this by eating one or two servings a day of course fibers such as wheat bran, bran cereals, shredded wheat or oats, bulgur wheat. Indoles are cancer inhibitors found in high concentrations in vegetables of the cabbage family, the cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Indoles help to protect the body against stomach and colorectal cancer.