Diet and Cancer Risk

Thursday, July 10, 2008

How Diet Influences Cancer Risk

Diet is a double edged sword. Improper diet increases the risk of cancer but a proper, well balanced diet reduces the cancer risk.

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors and has been estimated to account for up to 80% of cancers of the large bowel, breast, and prostate. Diet affects the risk of many other cancers, including cancers of the lung, prostate, stomach, esophagus and pancreas.

Prostate Cancer:
High consumption of meat, especially red meat, substantially increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Vegetables, especially cooked tomatoes, reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In one clinical trial, the role of Vitamin E as a prostate cancer reducing factor was established. In this study there was a 32% decrease in prostate cancer incidence and 41% decrease in prostate cancer mortality in people receiving Vitamin E supplements when compared to controls.

Breast Cancer:
In Japan, people consume Tofu, a soya product. It contains isoflavones that moderate the estrogen receptors in the body such as breast tissue. The incidence of breast cancer is low in Japan when compared to Western women; only 1/4th of the mortality rate of Western women. Japanese women's low fat diet, high fish consumption and drinking green tea also decrease their breast cancer risk.

One case control study found that regular consumption of soy foods was associated with a marked decrease in breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. No effect in post-menopausal women.

A Japanese case-control study also found that tofu intake (3 times/wk compared with less than 3 times/wk) was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Again, soy intake was not protective against post-menopausal breast cancer.

In one study conducted in America, the relation between soy intake and breast cancer risk found that tofu consumption was protective in both premenopausal and post menopausal Asian women.

Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer risk is substantially decreased by a variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids act as antioxidants and thus minimize cell damage.

One study in Boston focused on the effect of different types of carotenoids on lung cancer risk. It was observed that lung cancer risk was significantly lower in subjects who consumed a diet high in a variety of carotenoids. This was especially true with non-smokers who had 63% less risk.

One study conducted in Hawaii reported further evidence for a protective effect from certain carotenoids against lung cancer and that greater protection was afforded by consuming a variety of vegetables compared to only foods rich in a particular carotenoid.

Stomach Cancer:
Nitrates in food and other preservatives added to food including meat are converted into 'nitrites' in the human stomach. The nitrites undergo nitrosation to form 'nitrosamines' and 'nitrosamides'. This increases the risk of stomach cancer in people eating vegetables from nitrate rich soil.

In one study, Vitamin C appeared to protect against the risk of stomach cancer by inhibiting formation of nitrates in stomach.

Cancer of the stomach is 5 times more common in Japanese people compared to Western populations. When Japanese people migrated to the United States, they progressively acquired the low incidence of the US due to changes in their diets.

In one study conducted in Hawaii that involved both Japanese and Caucasians, the stomach cancer risk was associated with consumption of rice, pickled vegetables, and dried/salted fish, and a negative association with vitamin C intake.

One ecological study in Belgium showed a relation between the nitrate and salt consumption and stomach cancer. The analysis of this model showed that the significance of nitrate as a risk factor for stomach cancer mortality increased markedly with higher sodium levels.

Dietary habits and stomach cancer risk was studied in Shanghai, China. According to this study, risks of stomach cancer were inversely associated with high consumption of several food groups, including fresh vegetables and fruits, poultry, eggs, plant oil, and some nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, tea and antioxidant vitamins.

By contrast, risks increased with increasing consumption of dietary carbohydrates, frequent consumption of preserved, salty or fried foods and hot soup/porridge, with irregular meals, speed eating and binge eating. This provides evidence that diet plays a major role in stomach cancer risk.

No single food can completely prevent cancer but a balanced combination of different groups can help. Appropriate diet can prevent 3-4 million cancers each year.

2 comments:

Naturally Potent said...

This really works for me
Here is a brief description of the super powerful antioxidant 19 natural ingredients
Ingredient #1 Acai Berry
A very powerful fruit and the crown jewel in the Mona Vie formula, acai berry can be found only high atop towering palm trees in the lush Amazon Rain Forest of South America. A recent study held at Gainesville Florida proved that Acai kills 86 percent of leukemia cells in a lab test. Mona Vie is a potent new juice blend of 19 fruits with its main ingredient the Acai berry. Mona Vie comes in 2 different formulations — Original containing the 19 fruits with the Acai berry, and Mona Vie Active which adds Celadrin and Glucosamine to help promote flexibility and joint health.
Ingredient #2 Acerola Cherries
Almost nothing else in nature produces vitamin C like the “cherries” of the acerola! It has been used for such varied uses as an astringent for healing wounds and tissue, reducing inflammation, reducing a fever, and as both a diuretic and renal stimulant. The acerola cherry is known for helping diabetes, rheumatism, and heart disease.
Ingredient #3 Apricots
This is one of the worlds most amazing fruit. Apricots are known to build strong teeth, fight bacteria and infections, repair damaged tissues, build strong young looking teeth, and improves vision. Apricots provide a rich assortment of antioxidants and are abundant with soluble fiber, beta-carotene, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and Vitamin C. They also include a natural salicylate - the major ingredient in aspirin. Other useful effects of apricots are stabilizing blood pressure and preventing strokes.
Ingredient #4 Aronia (black chokeberry)
This fruit is originated from the Yucatan. Aronia juice contains very high levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids-five to ten times higher than cranberry juice. Its beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants, polyphenols, minerals and vitamins are believed to include compounds that specifically important for a healthy immune system. Aronia also contains important trace minerals, and it has been used as an anti-diabetic food.
Ingredient #5 Banana
Bananas are a great source of potassium, & tons of natural minerals. They are also known to reduce your appetite.
Ingredient #6 Bilberries
The Bilberry is a close relative of the blueberry and is noted for strengthening of the capillaries of the eye. Bilberry is already widely noted for slowing of age-related macular degeneration, night blindness, diabetes-related eye disorders and helps with cataracts Bilberries can also help prevent a wide variety of bodily problems including bruising, fatigue, coughing, diabetes, diarrhea, gout, glaucoma, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).
Ingredient #7 Camu Camu or Rumberry
The Camu Camu berry is the planet’s richest source of natural Vitamin C. Its content has been measured as 30-60 times higher than an equal amount of citrus fruit. The Camu Camu berry is legendary for its powers to strengthen the immune system and repair connective tissue. Camu Camu is great for treatment of the common cold and generally supporting the immune and nervous systems. It is also an excellent agent for detoxification, especially for liver detox. The respiratory system, including the lungs, sinuses, and nasal passages all benefit from this natural fruit, as does the heart and all of the circulatory system.
Ingredient #8 Cranberries
Cranberries are rich in many phytonutrients and proanthocyanidins (PAC’s) - found to prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria associated with urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall. These antiadhesion properties are also thought to inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers. In addition, cranberries can serve as a powerful antibiotic, fighting both E. Coli and H. Pylori. This fruit also reduces gum disease and stomach ulcers occuring especially in dental health.
Ingredient #9 Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit contains ample amounts of phytonutrients, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, trace minerals and dietary fiber. This fruit helps build your immune system up and assist in respiration problems such as breathing and colds. Kiwi is also known for protecting DNA against free radicals and cleansing the colon from toxins.
Ingredient #10 Lychee Fruit
The lychee is native to low elevations in Southern China. Cultivation spread over the years through neighboring areas of southeastern Asia and reach the United States in the late 1800″s. Lychee fruit helps prevent blood clots, severe cell damage, reduces strokes, cuts heart attack patients into 50% lower chance. At 72mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh, lychees are a very good source for this essential vitamin, as well as potassium and other nutrients.
Ingredient #11 Nashi Pear
This fruit is from Korea and some small parts of Japan. This was at one time known as the Korean fruit & Japanese fruit of miracles. This fruit is used to cleanse your oral & nasal cavities from existing bacterias and other types of mucous membranes.Once reserved as a food to be served only to the wealthy and to Chinese nobles, Nashi pears have been grown, cultivated and eaten for centuries. Nashi pears are a great source of dietary fiber, and they’re also very high in potassium and other essential minerals. They contain nearly 10% of the USRDA for Vitamin C, and a high concentration of folates, which make up the Vitamin B complex group. These vitamins are essential for metabolic activity and red blood cell production.
Ingredient #12 Passion Fruit
Passion fruit can be found in Brazil, and some of south Florida. Passion fruit contains high levels of Vitamin A & Vitamin C which is also a great source of Potassium. This fruit is known to relax the body and mind from stress. Helps with sleep during the night and also contains natural iron. This fruit is an excellent source for dietary fibers. The only fruit that allows you to wake up feeling fully rested. Passion fruit is also rich in vitamins and mineral including: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and B Vitamins. The legend of passion fruit dates back to Biblical time, and its modern day uses include: promoting sleep, calming anxiety and addressing hyperactivity in children.
Ingredient #13 Pear
Pears are great for your body they contain high natural vitamins such as potassium and riboflavin. Pears are great for your skin, and have great fiber content. Potassium is used to keep your good cells alive in your body so you won’t get sick as much. Potassium used in a diet also increases nerve activity, muscle growth, helps with muscle contractions, maintaining body fluid & electrolytes. Pears provide antioxidant protection and ensure cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar levels, increasing capillary strength and stabilizing metabolism. Pears also protect vision and fight against macular degeneration as well as support nerve transmission, aid tissue repair, and promote bowel regularity.
Ingredient #14 Blueberries
Blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse. They contain large amounts of health-promoting phytochemicals such as anthocyanins and phenolics, currently being studied for their antioxidant benefits. Besides antioxidants, blueberries contain condensed tannins, and they offer a great lineup of nutrients like potassium and iron, as well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Ingredient #15 Pomegranate
Studies show that pomegranate juice is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, containing more polyphenol antioxidant than any other drink. Pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants than even red wine, green tea, blueberry juice, cranberry juice or orange juice. It has been shown to be highly effective in clearing plaque from inner arterial walls. MonaVie contains pomegranate juice because of its ability to help bodily function and to prevent disease and viruses from interrupting normal body operation. Pomegranate is also helpful in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, regulating blood pressure, preventing heart attacks and strokes, as well as preventing cancers, diabetes, and intestinal problems.
Ingredient #16 Prunes
Prunes are dried plums, rich in minerals and phenols, plus they have an extremely high ORAC value. The drying process actually increases antioxidant powers by more than six times! USDA researchers believe that people of all ages can prevent and treat diseases of aging by simply adding prunes to their diets. Prunes contain 15% Vitamin A, 10% dietary fibers, 10% potassium, 10% copper, and only 6% calories. Prunes are able to boost bone density, cleanse the bowels, and prevent against cardiovascular disease. Prunes are also known or their abilities to cleanse the liver, prevent against both Alzheimer’s and memory loss, and fight off infections in the body. There is also evidence that prunes may be responsible for reducing cholesterol in humans and also for reducing the risk of developing an estrogen-dependent cancer.
Ingredient #17-18 Grapes - Purple / White
Grapes are another source of antioxidants and are also effective at fighting off bacterial and viral infections, and reducing inflammations. Grapes are also known to improve cardiovascular health by aiding in the improvement of arterial flexibility. The purple grape naturally helps with concentration, brain functions, hyper tension, arteries, hypertension usually occurs from high blood pressure.
Ingredient #19 Wolfberry
For thousands of years in China, the Wolfberry has been known as “the herb of longevity.” It provides a powerful combination of antioxidants and polysaccharides, shown to enhance the activity of the immune system. Wolfberry also provides eighteen amino acids and twenty-one trace minerals. Wolfberries aid the removal of headaches, as well as the regulation and lowering of high blood pressure. The wolfberries found within MonaVie drinks also help battle chronic fatigue, arthritis, and insomnia.
Health & Harmony,
Lisa lisadeb1989@gmail.com
http://www.mymonavie.com/ldevito/mystory.asp

Anonymous said...

80% is huge number. I stay away from junk fodo . I eat organic food only.