A guide to cancer prevention diets

In the last few years, many studies have confirmed that there is a link between cancer and nutrition. Diet seems to play a key role in avoiding carcinogenesis and in fact, it may be one of the most crucial factors for the prevention of various cancers. To find out more about the connection between cancer and diet, keep on reading.

Overview

According to research, 30-40% of all cancers could be prevented just by following a healthy diet. In fact if we combined a healthy diet, with a healthy BMI and smoking cessation the percentage of cancers that could be prevented could rise to 70%.

What to eat to prevent cancer

Epidemiological studies indicate that there are some foods that can reduce the risk of cancer at least to some extent. Here are a few anti-cancer foods:
Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that reduce the risk of various cancers. Green tea consumption has been linked with a lower risk of breast cancer, intestine, liver, lung, stomach, oesophagus, pancreas, prostate and skin cancer. Green tea is superior to black tea because it contains much more epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, which is responsible for most of the anticancer properties of tea. Chocolate Chocolate is rich in polyphenols and catechins, which are also contained in tea. These substances seem to offer protection against heart disease, strokes and cancer. However, this applies only to dark chocolate containing more than 70% of cocoa. Vitamin D Many studies have shown that vitamin D plays a key role in reducing the risk of colon and breast cancer. The exact mechanism of action is not known, but it seems that vitamin D may act as an immune booster. Unfortunately, a few people get enough vitamin D through sunlight or diet, so it would be helpful to start consuming more foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs, salmon, milk, sardines and mackerel. Wine Wine, and particularly red wine, is rich in resveratrol, which has strong anticancer properties and can act preventively against cardiovascular disease. In the last few years, more and more researchers recommend drinking one to two glasses of wine per day to prevent cancer and improve the function of your cardiovascular system. However, you can reap these benefits only if you consume wine in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption not only doesn’t prevent cancer, but has been associated with various forms of cancers, such as liver, breast and stomach cancer.