April 8, 2005

How to avoid cancer (yeah right)

My ex and I used to talk about what we would do when we got cancer. I pretty much accept it as an innevitability. But here are ways to hold it off from New Scientist. (No, they're not paying me.)

The cancer prevention diet
YOUR DIET SHOULD BE...

high in starchy, unprocessed cereal foods, such as maize, wheat and unpolished, unrefined rice; roots and tubers, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes; and pulses such as beans and lentils

high in fruit and vegetables, at least five portions a day. A portion can be: 1 large banana, 1 medium apple, 3 plums, 2 satsumas, 2 kiwis, half a fresh pepper, 2 spears of broccoli, 3 heaped tablespoons of sliced carrots. The Greek government and the US National Institutes of Health recommend nine portions a day

high in foods that are as fresh as possible. Mouldy food produces aflatoxins, which are known carcinogens

low in saturated fat (down to 30 per cent from 40 per cent), particularly reducing saturated fat in meat or dairy products

low in red meat - a maximum of 80 grams per day - lots of fish or white meat (no limits but keep to average daily female/male calorie intakes: 2000/ 2400)

low in salt - no more than 6 grams per day

little or no alcohol. Despite evidence that wine is good for the heart, it is linked to breast cancer. Maximum 1 or 2 units per day

low in meat and fish cooked at very high temperatures - barbecue-style food, in other words - as this produces carcinogenic chemicals called heterocyclic amines

YOU SHOULD ALSO:

avoid being overweight. Aim to have a body-mass index of 20 to 25

take exercise. If your life is sedentary, walk briskly for an hour daily and take vigorous exercise for an hour very week

Posted by bluprnt at April 8, 2005 01:44 PM
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