Foods that lower cancer risk

We could live right, eat well, exercise, not smoke and drink moderately, but still we can get cancer. However, there are some foods that are protective against cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables

Let's think "green". We can't eat enough cruciferous veggies -- Brussels sprouts, broccoli, watercress and mustard greens. All are rich in antioxidant phyto-chemicals and fiber, which are cancer protectors.

Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower contain indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage contain antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help decrease prostate and other cancers.

Colorful fruits and vegetables

Colorful fruits and vegetables protect our cells from the ravages of free radicals, produced by your body's metabolism and from the environment. When left unchecked free radicals can be cancer-causing. Antioxidants from these healthy foods, a medium piece of fruit, half a grapefruit, a cup of melon, 20 grapes, a cup of berries stirred into a cup of yogurt or a fresh-fruit smoothie will get rid of those free radicals. Carrots, baked sweet potatoes, deep-orange sweet potato, mangos and nectarines mean vitamin C and beta carotene. Vibrantly colored, flavonoid-rich berries are tops for cancer-fighting antioxidants and phyto-chemicals. Red grapes contain antioxidants called bioflavonoids and are rich in resveratrol, which inhibits tumor growth.

Folate

Let's think brown, as in whole grains, beans and fortified breads and cereals. Grain foods are rich in folate, and research points to higher risk for colon, rectum and breast cancer in people who get less folate than they need (about 400 micrograms daily), and it's especially important for women who may be thinking about becoming pregnant. Women who drink alcohol should also be sure to get enough folate to lower cancer risk. We should eat our folate, and remember it's better from food than supplements.

Good Fat

Some fats are very good for us -- in the right portion size and ratio. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA & PUFA) are rich in antioxidants E and selenium; these fats are linked to lower rates of heart disease and cancer. They enhance absorption of immunity boosting and inflammation reducing antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and lower risk for cancer. Best sources of healthy fats are nuts, seeds, avocado, flax seed and fatty fish. Portion control is important, because fat has 9 calories per gram compared to 4 for protein and carbohydrate. Olive and canola oils have the best nutritional profiles.

Cooked tomato

cooked tomato supplies us with a healthful dose of lycopene, an antioxidant that guards against various forms of cancer by blocking cell-damaging free radicals. Eating cooked tomatoes is best. Cooking releases lycopene inside the plant cells, making it easier to digest and absorb.

Green tea and Lemon

Green tea is already rich in antioxidants, but adding citrus juice leads to greater increase in disease-fighting catechins. Lemon juice in particular preserves the most catechins, while orange, lime, and grapefruit juices are less potent but still effective.

How to make your body not to feel hungry and in turn loose weight

Many people swear that they do not eat a lot of food but they always gain weight rather than loose weight. If you are one of those people, you have to train your body to come out of starvation mode and use all the calories that you put in your body rather than storing it. Our bodies and minds were made to protect us. When we do not eat, the brain sends a signal to our body to store as fat any food that we eat. So in order for you to be an ideal weight you have to eat at least 6 times a day. The following are the list of food you can have to bring your body out of starvation mode.

• Eat Small Meals Throughout the Day - One of the best ways not to feel hungry is by constantly eating! Yes, this can actually help you lose weight. By eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of a few large meals, your metabolism stays high and your stomach always has a little food in it. Try at least six meals a day totaling your needed calories instead of three.

• Drink at least 3 glasses of water - This is one of the most essential ways to stay healthy. Drinking water flushes toxins from your body and it gives you the needed Oxygen to keep you energized. You do not have to force too much water down, drinking three glasses a day one before each meal will stem your hunger.

• Chew a Peppermint Gum - Sugarless peppermint gum is a guilt-free way to keep your jaws busy. Chewing gum can help you lose weight and make you feel as if you are eating food.

• Fill up on Fresh Veggies - When you need a snack, you could eat one that is guilt-free and that won’t contribute to more hunger. Non-starchy vegetables are “free foods” that you can eat all day without gaining weight. It takes more calories to consume a stick of celery than are actually in the celery. That is why celery is referred to as a “negative calorie” food.

• Add chickpeas to a light dip like salsa or your salad to add bulk without lots of calories. This will boost your protein intake, so you will fill up faster and will feel fuller. Eating chickpeas regularly also will improve your overall food choices. Make sure you eat at least 1 cup each week.

• Reduce Your Carb Intake - Carbohydrates turn to sugar and stimulate your body’s insulin, thus causing a vicious cycle of hunger. Remember, food is supposed to satiate your hunger, not increase it! Reduce your carb intake to gain control over your constant hunger.

• Eat Lean Protein - Protein stays in your body longer than carbohydrates, so choose a lean piece of meat or any food containing protein and minimize your hunger between meals.

• Increase Your Fiber Intake - Bulky, high-fiber foods usually fill your stomach quickly and keep you satisfied for a long time. They also require quite a bit of chewing, which psychologically triggers the feeling of satisfaction.

• Always eat Breakfast - So many people who are trying to lose weight will skip meals. Breakfast is definitely not the meal to skip, as it gives you a much needed nutrition to keep you going until your next meal.

• Eat More Eggs - Looking for a low-fat, high-protein snack to stem your hunger? Eggs will give you that in spades. If cholesterol is a concern for you, skip the egg yolks and make yourself an egg white snack.

• Take 10,000 steps a day- A nice long walk or jog proven to be a great way to stay young.

• Stay Busy - Many people convince themselves that they are hungry when they are actually just bored. If you find yourself eating because there is nothing else to do, put yourself to work. Keep your mind off food and your diet.

• Learn to Manage Stress - You should do your best to manage your stress level. Stress will not only make you want to eat, it is a leading cause of overeating.

• Eat Slowly - Slow down when you eat. Put down the fork and spoon after each bite. You may be surprised at how much less you will have to eat before your body feels satisfied.

Danger of Cadmium in Kids' Jewelry

By the time the U.S. product safety authorities move and investigate into the presence of the toxic metal cadmium in our children's jewelry imported from China or any other place, I wanted to let you know to make sure you are not poisoning or making your children lag learning. Here is the link to the new information.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,582734,00.html

6 breakthroughs in 2009 that could change medicine

Prevention magazine shares the remarkable innovations of 2009 that promise to revolutionize how doctors prevent, diagnose and treat both common conditions and diseases.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34771163/ns/today-today_health/