First StepsThe first goal for an anti-cancer diet: Maintain a healthy weight, avoiding overweight and obesity. Several types of cancer have been linked to obesity, according to the American Cancer Society, which advises a healthy diet including five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables; whole grains; limited processed and red meats; and no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women or two for men.
Cancer Treatment Options There is hope. Chat privately with our oncology experts online today. CancerCenter.com/CareThatNeverQuitsSponsored LinksWhat to EatEating a variety of vegetables and fruits may help lower the risk of lung, oral, esophageal, stomach and colon cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Fresh and frozen products usually retain the most nutrients, and microwaving or steaming them helps to preserve nutrients during cooking.
About JuicingJuicing fruits and vegetables provides a way to incorporate more of their nutrition into your diet, according to the American Cancer Society. The body readily absorbs nutrients in juices are readily absorbed by the body. However, juicing means sacrificing the dietary fiber that fruits and vegetables offer. An American Institute for Cancer Research report found "probable evidence" that a diet rich in fiber can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Cancer DefenseCompounds called phytochemicals appear to protect against cell damage that leads to cancer, or even to fight specific cancer-causing processes, according to an American Institute for Cancer Research report, "Foods That Fight Cancer?" Researchers around the world are studying phytochemicals, including those in legumes, berries, garlic, grapes and grape juice. All of these foods are good components of a healthy diet although none offers an anti-cancer guarantee.
PrecautionsTalk to your doctor about nutritional strategies regarding cancer because some may carry risks. For example, green tea contains antioxidants shown to help slow or prevent some cancers in cell research, the American Institute for Cancer Research says, but very high amounts of green tea can interact badly with medications such as aspirin. While soy provides healthy protein, it also contains isoflavones that many doctors want certain breast-cancer patients to avoid, according to Breastcancer.org.
ConsiderationsThe American Cancer Society maintains there is no proof that nutritional supplements can reduce your risk of cancer---and stresses that foods, not pills, are the best sources of nutrients. Simply drinking more water and other liquids may cut the risk of developing bladder cancer. Vitamin D may have positive effects on some cancers including colon, prostate and breast, according to the American Cancer Society report, "Common Questions About Diet and Cancer." Research has not yet determined the optimal doses needed to reduce risk, the organization says.
Dr. Oz’s Anti-Cancer Superfoods Fighting Five – Vegetables and Fruits Fruits and vegetables do not have an excess of salt or sugar. Tomatoes have lycopene and carrots have carotenoids, but these are only released when the vegetables are cooked a bit. The best way to cook tomatoes and carrots is in a bit of oil, because this helps our body absorb the lycopenes and carotenoids. Women who eat broccoli and cabbage are 72% less likely to get breast cancer. Broccoli should be cooked a little (steamed for example), but do not overcook it or you lose the vitamins… same goes for cabbage! Other fruits and vegetables to eat include leafy greens, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, leeks, shallots, onions, mushrooms, lentils, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, spinach, grapefruit, lemon, lime, apples, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, pomegranates, mangoes, oranges and strawberries
Tumor Torpedoes – Whole Grains We should have three servings a day of whole grains, which are loaded with fiber and helps to move everything through our primary detox system, our digestive system. Whole grains are also a great source of soluble fiber, which is good for regulating your hormone levels. Try whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, whole grain tortillas, oats, flaxseed and quinoa.
Cell Commando Foods – Proteins Replace fatty proteins (like beef), with lean proteins such as fish (salmon, tilapia, tuna, mackerel), beans, tofu, soy milk and edamame.
Fire Fighters – Herbs & Spices Herbs and spices have natural anti-inflammatory properties and are anti-microbial. Incorporate herbs and spices like curry, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, rosemary, chive, basil and garlic. Garlic has no odor until you cut it, because when you cut garlic it produces allicin which keeps cancer cells from multiplying. So before using garlic, chop it up and let it be exposed to the air for a few minutes.
A big myth is that healthy foods cost much more to eat than unhealthy foods, but Sheila (a woman in the audience who ate only from Dr. Oz’s anti-cancer grocery list) said that she didn’t spend any more money using anti-cancer superfoods.
We also need to rethink how to plate our food. Half of your plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits. 1/4 of your plate should be proteins and another 1/4 of your plate should be whole grains. Plus, Dr. Oz is giving us a little sliver on the plate for some healthy treats like nuts and dark chocolate! So what are some good examples of healthy plates? Try some of these options:
- 1 cup of greens, 1 cup of broccoli, 1 tomato, 1 orange, 1 cup of strawberries - 1 egg, 1/2 cup beans, sardines, 3.5 ounce salmon (omega 3 fats are delicate so grill it gently or steam it… don’t cook salmon like chicken and don’t broil it.) - good fats like olive oil (which has mono-fats that reduce diabetes and adjust insulin levels) or Organic Flax Seed Oil, which gives you extra omega 3’s - for the special treat section of your plate, try 1/2 cup nuts (12 walnuts), or 1 oz of dark chocolate. Nuts, like walnuts, are high in minerals, calcium and have lots of antioxidants. Other good nuts include pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and flaxseed.