Some eating habits can have a big effect on your chance of getting cancer. There are six main things you eat that can affect your chance of getting cancer:
1. Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
Colourful fruits and vegetables including berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous veggies contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that fight cancer.
2. Limiting Processed and Red Meat
High consumption of processed meats like bacon, sausage and hot dogs and red meats like beef, hog and lamb increases colorectal and other cancer risks. Limit these items and choose lean protein.
3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol abuse increases the risk of breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. This risk can be reduced by moderate alcohol use.
4. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer. Healthier weight and lower cancer risk can be achieved by eating well and exercising.
5. Reducing Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates
Sugary and refined carbohydrate-rich diets cause obesity and inflammation, which increase cancer risk. Cutting back on sugary drinks, sweets, and processed foods can help.
6. Increasing Fiber Intake
Fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables reduce colon cancer risk. Fibre aids digestion and detoxification.