Everyone wants to avoid the big C, cancer, at all costs, but do those anti-cancer diets, fruits, or other “natural” substances really work? Is there really anything you can do to avoid cancer?
The answer is yes….and no.
- NO – You cannot cure or prevent cancer by avoiding certain foods such as GMO’s, processed foods, sugar, or any other food.
- NO- There is no “miracle cure” or preventative measure that Big Pharma, doctors, or anyone else is holding back because they can’t make money on it.
- YES – There is only one sure fire way to help prevent cancer, but even this is no guarantee. It’s a great bet, but nothing in this life is guaranteed 100%.
Of course, there are some things that are well known for being a cause for cancer. Things such as cigarette smoke, tobacco products (such as chew), asbestos, certain chemicals, excessive alcohol consumption, coal, estrogen therapy, hepatitis, and radiation. Even use or exposure to these things is not a 100% guarantee that you WILL get cancer, only that your odds are tremendously increased.
In the same way that scientists know that exposure to or consumption of certain substances can greatly increase your risk of developing cancer, other things are known to reduce the risk of cancer. Again, this is not a guarantee that if you follow these guidelines that you will be “cancer proof” , however, it gives you better odds for not developing cancer.
The Truth about GMO’s, Pesticides, Herbicides, and Cancer
Contrary to what you might read on those click bait sites (“GMO’s Known to Cause Multiple Cancers!”) the truth is that, despite being eaten by millions of people for more than 20 years, there has not been one single case of cancer (or any other disease) being caused by these foods. Most people fear them because they don’t understand them. GM crops use fewer pesticides than non-GM crops. Herbicide use is usually increased, but since herbicides focus on certain plant aspects that humans do not have, there is relatively little to affect humans. Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should drink a big glass of herbicides along with our meals, however, there really isn’t anything to fear from the very low levels of herbicides found in conventional foods.
Sugar and Cancer
We bet you have seen at least a dozen articles screaming “Sugar Feeds Cancer Cells”. Scientists know that every single cell in your body relies on sugar to operate normally. Every single cell, including cancer. This isn’t to say that sugar shouldn’t be controlled in your diet. Diets that are high in sugar usually lead to obesity, which increases your risk of cancer.
However, the idea that, if you could somehow remove all processed sugar from your diet, you would never get cancer is completely unfounded.
Other “Cancer Causing” Nonsense
There is not one shred of evidence that you will get cancer from aspartame, your deodorant, or from eating a McDonald’s now and then. Why do many websites claim that these things are cancer causing? It sells. Pure and simple.
Your Best Odds of Cancer Prevention
You don’t need any miracle fruit or eat tons of a certain vegetable to prevent cancer. You simply need to follow this little 4 step plan. Yes, it really is this simple.
- Eat Lots of Fruits and Vegetables.
It doesn’t matter if they are conventional or organic, since both use pesticides, the fact remains that a diet high in fruits and vegetables has been proven over and over to help prevent cancer. Fruits and veggies contain carotenoids, vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants that keep your immune system functioning properly and protect you from mutating cells, which is the root cause of cancer. By the way, eat the whole fruit or vegetable, not just juice. Getting plenty of fiber is the best way to avoid colon cancer. If you do nothing else, simply adding more produce to your diet will reduce your risk of cancer. True story.
- Cut Back on Red Meat and Processed Meat
Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet is NOT the best way to fight cancer. Humans are omnivores that require a certain amount of meat and dairy products in their diets for optimum health. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should go all out Paleo. A diet high in red meat and processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon, have been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Try going meatless two or more days each week. Make meat a side dish, rather than the main course.
- Eat Healthy Fats
Eating fats in moderation are one of the keys to a healthy diet. Avoid trans fats and partially hydrogenated fats or oils. These are well known for increasing the risk of cancer. This means avoiding most fried foods and bakery items, such as donuts and cakes. Make these the occasional treat, not something you eat every week.
Healthy fats are olive oil, avocados, dairy products such as cheese and milk, nuts, and seeds. You should also try to include fish, such as salmon or tuna, in your diet twice each week, as these fish are loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
- Cook Smart
Remember to wash all produce to remove as much of the pesticide residue as possible. Keep in mind that organic produce also has pesticide residue, so wash them also! Eat raw produce as much as possible and steam the rest, with the exception of tomatoes, which have increased levels of lycopene after cooking. Do not fry under extremely high heat. Do not “blacken” meats, and always store cooking oils in dark colored containers or inside cabinets, away from heat and sunlight. Grill or steam meats and veggies as much as possible.
Yes, it’s that simple.
Of course, there are other tips for avoiding cancer, such as exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation, and trying to maintain a normal weight, but so far as diet goes, if you follow the four steps above, you are way ahead of the cancer game, no doubt about it.
Why don’t you see these simple eating habits being put in bold letters on most woo websites? Because there is no money in it. True story.
