Blog: September 22, 2010

7 Foods to Help Prevent Cancer

This week and next let’s take a look at foods to help prevent cancer and foods to eat when you’re going thru chemotherapy.

The October 1^st issue of Family Circle magazine has an article entitled ‘The Anti-Cancer Diet’.  This week, Margit Ragland, Health Director at Family Circle joins me on the podcast to discuss

foods to help keep the entire family healthy.

To help prevent cancer, include these foods in your diet:

1. Beans and lentils: beans (such as black, pinto, lima and kidney) as well as legumes (like lentils and black-eyed peas), are low in calories yet rich in fiber and protein.

2. Tea: contains antioxidants called catechins that may block enzymes that lead to cancer.

Steep your tea for at least five minutes to release the most antioxidants.

3. Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower: Cruciferous veggies, such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli contain cancer fighting sulfur-containing compounds.

4. Almonds and peanuts: The protective factors are likely the vitamins and minerals including folic acid and magnesium found in various types of nuts.

5. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries: powerhouses of antioxidants that help protect cells.

Note: fresh and frozen are both good choices.

6. Sweet potatoes: contain the antioxidant beta-carotene known for it’s bright orange color…the same color you find in carrots, cantaloupe, and mangoes their orange color.

7. Red and purple grapes: These grapes contain the same disease-fighting compounds found in wine—resveratrol.

Check out this month’s Family Circle recipe at the WDBO Nutrition & Health Center for Chinese take out at home…Moo Shu Vegetable Wraps. The wraps include a number of anti-cancer foods including cabbage, garlic and tofu.

Lately it seems that many people I care about have been diagnosed with cancer or recurring cancer. Do you feel that way? As a registered dietitian, I know the power of food to both help prevent and treat many diseases. As a daughter and a sibling, I watched my Dad and my brother die horrible deaths from cancer at young ages.

Now you know one of the big reasons why I have such a passion for food, nutrition and health. If I can make a difference in your health or the health of someone you love, then I’ve done something that matters.

For more information, listen to this week’s podcast below.

Listen to this week’s podcast