Eating to being cancer free

Kirsten Whittaker
Daily Health Bulletin Editor
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Topping the list of the best cancer fighting eating plans is one we all have heard so much about - the Mediterranean style diet - a lifelong commitment to eating well that also happens to suppress cancer and fight heart disease. This plan calls for eating plenty of fruits, veggies and other plant based foods, using herbs/spices for flavor (not salt), limiting how much red meat and alcohol you consume on a regular basis, using healthy fats (olive and canola oil) instead of butter and eating fish/poultry at least two times a week.

Another winner on the cancer-fighting diet front is the whole body diet, a plan that calls for eating 6 to 7 small meals per day, rather than the 3 large ones we're all used to. In terms of cancer prevention, this way of eating calls for fruits, veggies and whole grains in at least half of your meals for the day, limiting foods that are high in fat, eating lean protein and being active every single day.

When it comes to the plans that aren't so effective... Gluten free diets have grown in popularity, but experts' caution that you shouldn't adopt this eating style unless you've been diagnosed with gluten intolerance. Those who follow this plan stay away from foods with whole grains that are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. It's the fiber and other essential nutrients that while bad for the celiac patient, help to protect body cells from the type of damage that can precede cancer.


Also on the no-no list are carb free diets. If you totally cut our carbs you deprive your body of its basic source of energy. You'll also be withholding some important cancer-fighting foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Instead of cutting the carbs altogether, choose them ore carefully. Go for whole grains instead of refined ones... limit the cakes and cookies.

When it comes to keeping yourself at a healthy weight, and thus reducing your risk of many forms of cancer, moderation is the most important thing to keep in mind. You're making a lifelong commitment according to Amin, and the best chance for long-term success comes from doing things in moderation.

Remember too, preventing cancer is the most effective treatment available at the moment for what can be a deadly disease.
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