Cancer prevention: 5 diet changes you need to make

While there’s no magic food or diet guaranteed to cure or prevent cancer, lifestyle factors—including your diet—can make a big difference in lowering your risk of developing the disease. And if you are currently battling cancer, adopting the right diet now can help maintain your strength and boost your emotional wellbeing 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 fight off cancer and other diseases.

 

Cut down on processed sugar:

Some studies have shown that high levels of sugar in the diet are a major risk factor for certain types of cancers, especially breast cancer. Cutting down the intake of processed sugar by opting for a more natural low calorie sweetening solution like stevia — extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana — seems to be the answer. High purity stevia has been adopted by global F&B giants like Coke, Pepsi, Nestle, Modelez and the like to reduce the quantity of sugar in their products. Now approved by FSSAI, stevia sweetened products are becoming available in the Indian market and is safe for children, pregnant women and diabetics alike.

 

Turmeric

Cooking with turmeric, an Indian spice also known as Indian saffron, has been found to play a key role in cancer prevention. The spice contains curcumin, an antioxidant that inhibits certain types of cancer cells (not to be confused with the spice cumin). Studies have also shown that it does well in fighting inflammation. A little of this truly goes a long way. Start by adding 1/4 teaspoon to foods such as salad dressings, scrambled eggs, soups and other dishes. After a few weeks, up the amount of turmeric to 1/2 teaspoon daily, and then work your way up to 1 teaspoon. It can also help you digest meals better.

 

Leafy green vegetables

Leafy greens are the cornerstone of any healthy diet. They are exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes, yet very low in calories, fats, sodium and other toxins. Leafy greens of all kinds are known to combat cancer. As natural sources of glucosinolates, they also contain antibacterial and antiviral properties, inactivate carcinogens, help reprogramme cancer cells to die off and prevent the formation of tumors. These powerhouse nutrients are known to break down during the chewing and digestion process into biologically active compounds that prevent the growth of cancer cells. So, Go Green to cut down the risk of cancer and boost immunity.

 

Sugarcane juice

A glass of this sweet drink not only hydrates your body in summer, but it is also full of nutrients that help you stay fit and healthy. Sugarcane juice is alkaline in nature and has a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese. Including it regularly in your diet can help prevent cancer as the disease cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Prostate and breast cancer won’t affect you if you regularly drink sugarcane juice. It is called the “King of Juices” for a reason. Thanks to the tech innovation, this super fluid is now available in the form of bottled and cold pressed juices made in the most hygienic manner — and that too, the year round.

 

Green tea

Drink green tea daily. Green tea is high in antioxidants called catechins or polyphenols, excellent at fighting off damage caused by free radicals. Typical tea consumption is about 3 cups a day.  Green tea has also been proven to be helpful with flu prevention, stress reduction and aging gracefully.