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By Alexandra Pettit, AZFB Communications Intern

For many, the word cancer doesn’t mean much until it touches your life, and when it does this simple word “cancer” changes your life forever. If there was something you could do to try to prevent it would you? The answer for most would be yes!  What if I told you that with the use of proper diet and exercise you could reduce your risk and your family’s risk of many types’ cancers. Would you be willing to give it a try?

The American Institute for Cancer Research has found “that excess body fat can increase the risk of twelve different types of cancers.” So, the question is, “What types of foods should I be eating, and what types of foods should I be steering clear of?”

Foods to avoid in Large Quantities:

• Alcohols
• Sugars
• Fats

When looking at these foods realize that not all sugars and fats are bad.

Food to eat:

• Fruits & Vegetables
• Fiber-rich foods (Whole grains and beans)
• Spices with anti-inflammatory properties (Turmeric)
• Low-fat dairy products
• Olive oil, Nuts, and Seeds

When eating vegetables think green, you want to be eating veggies and fruits with high nutrient and vitamin content. Fiber is also important to a healthy diet, and eating spices with anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the production of cancer cells. These types of food open a wide variety of options for meals and snacks. These types of food groups are very similar to the Mediterranean diet, which Fill Your Plate has coved a lot in the last year.

Articles on the Med Diet: https://fillyourplate.org/?s=Med+Diet

Is changing up your diet and exercise routine worth it to you? As someone who has been touched by the dangers and heartbreak of cancer, I am willing to make these simple changes to my life.

Editors Note: Changing diet and exercise does not guarantee the risk of cancer will be zero. However, studies have shown that it can lower your risk tremendously.

For more articles like this check out the Fill Your Plate Blog. Looking for some fresh produce? Check out our Farmer’s Market tab to find one near you.

References:

Obesity and cancer: https://www.aicr.org/learn-more-about-cancer/infographics/infographic-obesity-and-cancer.html

Foods that Fight Cancer: https://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/

Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316720.php

How dietary change might boost cancer therapy: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325939.php