Before we find out 5 fall food Protect against Cancer, let us see what cancer all about is.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.
Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.
What causes cancer?
Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.
How can cancer be prevented?
Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer - most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.
Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of the virus's relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer. Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening in order to detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin - a lump on the breast or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often noted by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to present symptoms early in the disease as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms also can be created as a tumor grows and pushes against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers cause changes in bladder function such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. Spreading to the lungs may cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, brittle, and break easily. Symptoms of metastasis ultimately depend on the location to which the cancer has spread.
Research report- Five Fall Foods That Protect Against Cancer
There are an abundance of foods available this fall season that can help protect against cancer. Autumn is the best time to eat lots of fruits and vegetables because most of them are at their nutritional peak. You just have to know what to look for, and Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN, a senior nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, listed the ABCs of fall foods in order to help us remember what foods are essential in our diets.
"A" Stands For Apple
There is a very common expression associated with apples: "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Previous research has demonstrated that one apple each day can lower the risk of developing mouth, throat, lung, colon, and potentially breast cancer as well. A
nutrient called quercetin is found in apples and is what keeps the cell's DNA safe from being harmed, that could otherwise result in cancer. "The key is to eat them raw and with the skin on," Kennedy added. "That's where many of the nutrients are found."
nutrient called quercetin is found in apples and is what keeps the cell's DNA safe from being harmed, that could otherwise result in cancer. "The key is to eat them raw and with the skin on," Kennedy added. "That's where many of the nutrients are found."
B" Stands For Berries, As In Cranberries
Cranberries should be eaten all year, not just in the fall, because they contain benzoic acid, which stops the development of colon cancer, lung cancer, and a few forms of leukemia. A study at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that the same traits found in cranberries which protect against bladder infections also protect the teeth against cavities.
Kennedy suggests buying fresh cranberries now, since they are at their nutritional peak, and putting them in the freezer to eat later. This way, the berries will give the highest level of protection against cancer when they are eaten.
"C" Stands For Color
The leaves on the trees are not the only colorful thing about the fall, you can also find lots of colorful vegetables, such as carrots, beets, and parsnips. A report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicated that a compound found in carrots, known as falcarinol, is what reduces the risk of cancer. "The brighter and richer the pigment, the
higher the level of cancer fighting nutrients," explained Kennedy. She recommends adding a lot of colorful plant-based foods to the dinner table.
higher the level of cancer fighting nutrients," explained Kennedy. She recommends adding a lot of colorful plant-based foods to the dinner table.
"D" Stands For Dark Leafy Vegetables
"Kale is a top choice because it's rich in phytonutrients called indoles, which stimulate liver detoxification and help fight cancer," Kennedy said. Other vegetables belonging to the cruciferous family include cabbage, brussels sprouts, and broccoli. People who have diets rich in these veggies are less likely to develop stomach, prostate, and lung cancer. A
recent report found that eating these veggies at least once a week can reduce the risk of oral cancer.
recent report found that eating these veggies at least once a week can reduce the risk of oral cancer.
"E" Stands For Everything Orange
Carotenoid is a cancer fighting nutrient and is found in squash, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Studies have associated carotenoids with the protection against breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer, which is why it is important to include it in your diet.
However, prior research found that the majority of younger women in the United States do not have enough carotenoid intake in their diet. Kennedy pointed out that pumpkin can be used for foods other than pies. For example, you can add pumpkin to smoothies, pancake batter, raviolis, and soup.
However, prior research found that the majority of younger women in the United States do not have enough carotenoid intake in their diet. Kennedy pointed out that pumpkin can be used for foods other than pies. For example, you can add pumpkin to smoothies, pancake batter, raviolis, and soup.
No matter the season, Kennedy concluded; always remember to look for a lot of color when you're looking for foods to protect against cancer. "Eating a plant-based diet is the best way to help lower your risk of cancer all year long."
(Source- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston)
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