February 4th is World Cancer Day. The aim is to inform and encourage people on prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.
I don’t think there is anyone who is not aware of cancer, who doesn’t know someone who has had the disease, a friend or family member, or who has been impacted themselves.
I think the most powerful message is that at least one third of cancers are preventable, so if that doesn’t give us a reason to champion healthy life and diet choices to help us prevent cancer (and reccurrence) and reduce your risk, I don’t know what does!
According to the World Health Organization, at least one third of common cancers are preventable through a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.
What does that actually mean in reality?
- Adopting a healthy diet can have a powerful effect on your health – aim to build your diet around a variety of antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Stop smoking – single largest preventable cause of cancer and not just lung!
- Reduce and limit alcohol content.
- Be physically active – MOVE YOUR BODY – avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
This approach is not just beneficial for cancer prevention and recurrence but also contributes to the prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
No single food by itself can protect you against cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), it is “the synergy of compounds working together in the overall diet that offers the strongest cancer protection.”
So lets not get too hung up on that one superfood, make variety your goal, this is where EAT THE RAINBOW comes in.
Evidence shows a diet filled with a variety of plant-based foods, whole grains and beans, can help reduce cancer risk. Plant-based whole foods are full of high quality natural nutrients/compounds such as antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and other health-promoting properties. These foods are also low in calories and high in fibre, which also helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
So start incorporating this approach to your diet and lifestyle today, to help you live your best healthy life.