Monthly Archives: November 2014

Vitamin C and Cancer

cancerpreventionMost people are aware of the important role that vitamin D plays in overall health but many are not aware of how vitamin C works to prevent cancer.

Vitamin C is a known antioxidant, easily mopping up and relieving us of dangerous free radicals. An antioxidant like vitamin C is a molecule that has free electrons to donate. You might think of it as a particle with extra information to offer. It works to disarm harmful oxidants by giving them one of its free electrons making them stable and no longer any danger to your body. Continue reading

The Role of Fiber in Cancer Prevention

fiber1Add more fiber to your diet to boost your immune system against the risk of cancer.

Fiber, often called bulk or roughage is the part of grains, fruits, and vegetables that your body cannot digest. It helps move food through your digestive tract, playing a key role in keeping it clean and healthy by removing any cancer-causing compounds before they create harm.

Waste contains carcinogens and its best if it is removed as quickly as possible to decrease chances for any intestinal cells to be damaged and affected. Further studies reveal that a substance called butyrate is produced when the bacteria in the lower intestine breaks down fiber. This substance may inhibit the growth of tumors of the colon and rectum. Continue reading

Cabbage for Cancer Prevention

cabbageBrassicas are considered the world’s healthiest vegetables. They are a family of vegetables known for their disease fighting benefits and many know them by their more common name: cruciferous vegetables.

Just like most vegetables, they are low in calories, sodium and fat, a good source of fiber and a wealthy source of essential vitamins and minerals and are some of the best defenses against disease for adults.

These vegetables contain glucosinolates, sulfur-containing phytochemicals and studies reveal that consuming brassicas vegetables can significantly reduce the risk for a variety of cancers. Continue reading

Health Benefits of Walnuts

walnutNearly all nuts pack a potent punch when it comes to nutrition and provide our bodies with an impressive list of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Nuts offer the healthy kinds of fats and they are high in protein. They are also high in monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol and soluble fiber which also helps by lowering cholesterol, regulating bowels and has recently been shown to lower the amount of fat stored in the abdominal area. In research done over 5 years, for every 10 grams of soluble fiber consumed, belly fat was decreased by 3.7%…pretty impressive.

They are no slouches when it comes to nutrients, providing rich sources of minerals: potassium, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium; iron, manganese, selenium, and magnesium. Since many American diets are lacking magnesium resulting in low magnesium levels, nuts can play a vital role in bridging that gap. Continue reading