Can cancer be prevented? The answer to this question may lie hidden in how we eat. There are certain types of food do seem to be especially valuable in increasing our resistance to it. Scientific evidence suggests diet and various nutrients are related to both the origin and development of tumors. Dietary fiber for instance plays a role in helping prevent colon cancer. Protein in the diet may help prevent gastric cancer by buffering the stomach; blocking the formation of some carcinogens, say a doctor from the University of Nebraska Medical Centers. A doctor of New York University says peas and soybeans in the diet seem to reduce breast cancer.

Of the nutrients which have aroused interest as potential cancer-preventers, the antioxidants are the best studied. It's clear that eating foods containing higher levels of antioxidants is associated with lower cancer incidence. But medical doctors are puzzled whether this effect is due to the antioxidants alone or is it the results from antioxidants in combination with other substances such as flavonoids found in citrus fruits. Researchers at the 1994 Cancer Congress concluded that black and green tea inhibit proliferation of drug-resistant human cancer cells. These plant substances may prevent expression of the same cancergenes.

Food and Cancer

Vegetarian diets appear to be associated with lower cancer incidence. Some researchers believe vegetarian diets might be cancer preventive because the fats in plants are low in arachidonic acid; a substance essential to the growth of certain cancer cells and their resistance to the immune system. According to a research when omega-3 oils (flaxseed oil and fish oil) were added to the diet of animals; it was found that they live five times longer than those who received either in which the fat was corn oil or lard. The study suggests cancer risk isn't related solely to the amount of fat in the diet, but may also be related to the type of fats consumed.

Dietary Cancer-busters

Study shows dietary intake of vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower is associated with lower incidence of cancer. Most people don't eat enough dark green vegetables, but instead they prefer food supplements. Green superfoods and cereal grasses such as oats, rice, and wheat found in granules, powders, flakes and capsules are popular today.

According to a research, a study showed gluthathione which is synthesized in the liver, works as an antioxidant. Furthermore, the National Cancer Institute is compiling data on foods containing preformed gluthathione such as beef, potatoes and avocados.

Most research evaluating the influence of nutrients on cancer has focused on protein, carbohydrates and fats or essentially minerals and vitamins. However some nonessential substances that can help in the cancer defense process are soon to be discover in the future.

Reference: Women's Journal

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