Cancer is one of the scariest diseases known to mankind, sadly affecting millions of people around the world. But it does not have to be like that; Current research has shown that there are a variety of daily habits and dietary changes that can make a big difference in reducing cancer risk.
One of these life changes is nutrition: incorporating certain foods into your diet can not only help prevent cancer, but also alleviate existing cases. In this blog post, we’ll explore which nutrient-dense foods you should add to your meal plan for optimal health and to potentially reduce the threat of developing cancer in the near future.
The development of cancer in figures.
In 2018, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCa), there were around 382,000 new cases of cancer in France. Among them: 204,600 were diagnosed in men and 177,400 in women. This increase in the number of new cancer cases in France over the last 30 years can be attributed to several factors. In particular, the aging of the population, which leads to an increase in breast and prostate cancer, as well as an improvement in diagnostic methods.
In addition, certain risk behaviors, such as smoking among women, have also contributed to this trend. The national institute has registered the most common cancers in men:
- 50,400 cases of prostate cancer.
- 31,200 cases of lung cancer.
- And 23,000 cases of colorectal cancer.
in women:
- 58,500 cases of breast cancer.
- 20,100 cases of colorectal cancer.
- And 15,100 cases of lung cancer.
How nutrition can influence the risk of developing cancer?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing cancer. According to the journal Cancer Research UK, research has shown that following a proper diet and eating balanced meals can be a crucial factor in preventing cancer. Similarly, nutritional habits play a role in inflammation, immune system function, and hormones, all of which can influence your overall cancer risk.
These are the general rules to adopt to prevent the development of cancer:
- Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Make sure you get the recommended daily protein intake, it is thanks to them that the damage caused by carcinogenic components present in charred or overcooked meat or fish is reduced.
- Limit your intake of processed foods that are high in saturated fat and added sugars.
- Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
- Reduce or avoid certain habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Limit your intake of sugar and salt.
- Keep hydrated!
What types of foods should be favored to reduce the risk of developing cancer?
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Foods rich in antioxidants:
Composing meals based on different foods with antioxidant properties can protect you from carcinogenic free radicals that damage the cells, tissues and organs of the body. Examples of antioxidant-rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains rich in vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, lycopene, carotenoids, zinc, iron, and polyphenols.
The theory is that choosing to eat more of these types of foods minimizes the risk of developing cancer by strengthening the body’s defense system. Replacing more processed or less healthy foods with antioxidant-rich foods can support a healthier lifestyle.
The potential link between eating high-fiber foods and reducing the development of cancer has been the subject of numerous studies. It turns out that there is good evidence that high-fiber diets may play an important role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal, gastric, and small intestine cancers. This is believed to be due to how high-fiber diets affect the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients, such as carbohydrates.
Fiber has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help suppress cell growth, which may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Although fiber is not necessarily a guarantee against the development of cancer, making smart dietary choices when selecting high-fiber foods can be beneficial in protecting overall health.
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Foods rich in phytonutrients.
A growing body of evidence suggests that certain phytonutrient-rich foods may help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Foods such as cruciferous vegetables, alliums, and green tea are believed to contain particular compounds that have chemoprotective effects when consumed.
These compounds may inhibit carcinogenesis by inactivating enzymes linked to carcinogen activation, reducing inflammation, and increasing antioxidant protection in cells. Since more research is needed in this area, adding phytonutrient-rich foods to the diet is a rational choice for preventing cancer and reducing disease development.
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Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Recent studies have shown the potential of omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. These polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are commonly found in fatty fish, nuts, and some vegetable oils, may have a protective effect, especially if they are included as part of a balanced diet.
The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to a reduced risk of developing cancers related to cell damage and inflammation, among other health benefits. With the increasing availability of products like omega-3 fortified eggs and supplements that make it easier than ever to incorporate these beneficial fatty acids into the daily diet, consumers have a real opportunity to play an active role in cancer prevention. through your food choices. .
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healthy food Cancer diet cancer how to reduce cancer risk nutrition