Cancer especially the Mesothelioma, is recognized worldwide to be a major problem and the cause of so many deaths. The development of cancer, in particular, has been shown to be heavily influenced by your diet.
What you eat can drastically affect many aspects of your health, including your risk of developing chronic diseases like Mesothelioma cancer, or any other kind of cancer for that matter.
And if you are currently battling cancer, adopting the right diet now can help maintain your strength and boost your emotional well-being as you go through treatment. By avoiding foods that increase your risk of cancer and eating more of those that support your immune system, you can better protect your health and boost your ability to fight off cancer and other diseases.
1. Carrots
People have been eating carrots in a high degree for like 5,000 years, reportedly starting in the Middle East and Afghanistan. These early carrots were purple and yellow. Our familiar orange carrot was probably developed in the 1600s in Holland.
About one carrot ― one-half cup chopped ― provides 200% of the Daily Value of vitamin A, some fiber and is a good source of vitamin K. Carrots contain phytochemicals that can act as antioxide.
For example, an analysis looked at the results of five studies and concluded that eating carrots may reduce the risk of stomach cancer by up to 26%. Another study found that a higher intake of carrots was associated with 18% lower odds of developing Mesothelioma and prostate cancer
Try incorporating carrots into your diet as a healthy snack or delicious side dish just a few times per week to increase your intake and potentially reduce your risk of cancer.
2. Beans
Beans are a natural source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, and research shows that regular bean consumption may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Beans unique composition of fiber, as well as important micro-nutrients and antioxidants, makes them an important food choice for many reasons, including their possible anti-cancer properties for certain types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and prostate.
One study followed 1,905 people with a history of colorectal tumors, and found that those who consumed more cooked, dried beans tended to have a decreased risk of tumor recurrence.
An animal study also found that feeding rats black beans or navy beans and then inducing colon cancer blocked the development of cancer cells by up to 75%.
According to these results, eating a few servings of beans each week may increase your fiber intake and help lower the risk of developing cancer.
3. Berries
Berries are high in anthocyanins, plant pigments that have antioxidant properties and may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer.
Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, goji berries, camu-camu and blackberries are some of the different types of berries. They can be used in numerous types of recipes — which is good news considering they supply vitamin C, vitamin A and gallic acid, a powerful antifungal/antiviral agent that increases immunity.
Berries are also rich in proanthocyanidin antioxidants, which have been observed to have anti-aging properties in several animal studies and are capable of lowering free radical damage. High amounts of phenols, zeaxanthin, lycopene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and polysaccharides are other berry benefits.
4. Nuts
Evidence is growing about the many ways in which eating nuts, seeds, and legumes can improve your health help prevent some diseases like Mesothelioma etc. These foods have been linked to healthier hearts and a lower risk of diabetes, cholesterol level reduction etc, but now studies show they may also cut your risk of getting Mesothelioma cancer and most kinds of cancer for that matter!
Hemp seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are also beneficial and full of healthy fatty acids, as are walnuts, brazil nuts and almonds. Their health benefits and are best sprouted and can be used easily in smoothies, baked goods and with yogurt. Aim for two tablespoons daily.
5. Olive Oil
Yes, you read right! Olive oil is loaded with health benefits, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the staples of the Mediterranean diet. Several studies have even found that a higher intake of olive oil may help protect against cancer.
Did you know that your brain and nervous system control the function of your entire body and that about 60 percent of your nervous system is made up of fatty acids? The problem is that many of the conventional processed fats and oils widely consumed today are hydrogenated oils that are capable of destroying the membranes of our cells, leading to diseased cells and toxicity.
Replace refined groundnut/vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils and trans fats with quality oils, including flax oil, extra virgin olive oil, cod oil and coconut oil.
6. Cruciferous Veggies
Broccoli, cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables provide the great prevention against most cancers, especially Mesothelioma. Countless studies shows that there is sufficient epidemiological evidence to suggest that consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, is associated with a reduction in or prevention of cancer.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is well-known for its health benefits, including its ability to reduce blood sugar and ease inflammation. The anti-cancer properties of cinnamon have been studied extensively over the years and the findings are mounting and deserve center stage attention.
Polyphenol compounds in cinnamon have been shown to affect the expression of genes that cause an anti-inflammatory response and can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.
So, a bit of cinnamon introduced to your diet, is surely an action worth some credit.
8. Citrus Fruits
A daily dose of citrus fruits can help cut the risk of mouth, throat, and stomach cancers to a bare minimum. Carotenoids (alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, cryptoxanthin) are derivatives of vitamin A found in many citrus fruits.
So lick that orange daily, you’re doing yourself a lot of good!
Credit: Yugo.com.ng