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THE TOP ANTI-CANCER FOODS
Anti-cancer vegetables:THE 10-STEP ANTI-CANCER PROGRAM
MORE TOP ANTI-CANCER FOODS
AVOCADO
Often vilified for being high in calories, they are also mainly
monounsaturated fat (the rest being mainly polyunsaturated), which
can help to lower bad LDL cholesterol, a risk factor for heart
disease. Avocados contain folate, needed for cell division and
blood-cell formation, essential for cell regeneration, and antioxidants.
They include the antioxidant vitamin E (good for the skin); lutein,
a carotenoid that protects against eye diseases; and beta-sisterol,
a plant compound that can inhibit absorption of cholesterol and
help to lower cholesterol. I eat half an avocado most days.
BLUEBERRIES
One of the most health-protective, anti-ageing foods — their
vitamin C content is high and their beta-carotene means they are
good for dealing with free radicals. They contain potassium, very
important in keeping blood pressure in check. Blueberries are
best eaten raw, when their vitamin C content is at its highest
— they are delicious with muesli, or added to live yoghurt.
I’d suggest a couple of handfuls every other day.
BROCCOLI
High in fibre, with lots of beta-carotene, folate and vitamin
C to help to prevent and fight heart disease. Broccoli also contains
phytochemicals (glucosinolates), important for the prevention
of and in tackling cancer. Try a handful every other day —
steamed or boiled lightly.
CARROTS
High in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant — we absorb
more beta-carotene from cooked carrots than from raw, but since
vitamin C is highest in raw carrots I'd make sure you have raw
or cooked daily. Carrots are delicious grated in salads, with
a little lemon or orange juice and roasted sesame seeds sprinkled
on top, or try carrot and orange soup.
HEMP
OIL
If you’re a non-fish-eater, hemp oil is a good vegetarian
source of omega-3 fatty acids. It's also rich in vitamin E, a
great antioxidant, and useful in preserving youthful skin. And
if you think you may start getting high on it, fear not, the cannabinoid
levels are far too low. I use hemp oil almost every day —
don't heat it, as this breaks the omega fats down — in a
50:50 ratio with olive oil in salad dressings, or with a little
mustard and vinegar or lemon juice. I think the best, both quality
and taste, is Good Oil (available from good food shops including
Waitrose and Selfridges).
LIVE
YOGHURT
This contains probiotic bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifida,
which are thought to help the gut produce anti-cancer substances
called butyrates. I'd recommend a small tub a day of organic natural
yoghurt — delicious with honey, fruits, chopped dried fruit
etc.
OATS
Oats are rich in soluble fibre, which can lower levels of LDL,
so-called bad fat. They also have a low GI rating, which means
that they help to keep your energy levels up and steady. When
cooked as porridge, oats become a medium GI food, still great
for energy and for fibre that keeps the gut moving and thus helps
to prevent cancers, including bowel and breast. Start each day
with a bowl of porridge or organic muesli.
ONIONS
Onions belong to the same family as garlic and are great for lowering
bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and thinning the blood
to minimise the risk of clotting and resulting strokes and heart
attacks. They also contain flavonoids and sulphurs which may help
to fight cancers, natural antibiotics which help with bronchitis,
colds and flu, and a powerful antioxidant, quercetin. Spring onions,
when very fresh, are also high in vitamin C. Cooked onions (and
garlic) are still healthy but the heat destroys the allicin, which
is an antioxidant and lowers cholesterol.
GARLIC
This is a wonderful anti-cancer and heart-preserving food, but
you need to eat it raw to enjoy its health benefits — throw
a finely-chopped clove into a salad dressing or guacamole. Some
people chew a fresh clove every day, but presumably they are not
planning to breathe over anyone. Try to include raw garlic and/or
raw onion in salads every other day, or finely sliced in pitta
bread or wraps filled with smoked salmon, avocado and fresh rocket,
with a squeeze of lemon.
PRUNES
Prunes mop up more free radicals than any other fruit. They're
high in soluble fibre, which is why they've traditionally been
used as a laxative — they gently stimulate the bowel and
soften the stool, great for helping to avoid bowel cancer. You
need to drink plenty of water to help the fibre swell and kick-start
the gut. The fibre and antioxidants also help to lower the levels
of so-called bad cholesterol, cutting the amount of fat which
can clog up arteries. To build up a good level of fibre and antioxidants,
studies suggest 10-12 prunes a day.
SARDINES
Sardines — like herrings, mackerel, salmon and fresh tuna
— are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. Two portions (a
portion = 140g) a week for women, up to four a week for men or
for women above childbearing age, are one of the best weapons
against heart disease and stroke, and may help to prevent some
cancers and reduce arthritis symptoms. Age spots and wrinkles
are a sign of damage caused by free radicals — the omega
oils will also help to prevent this.
BLACK
TEA
Tea is full of antioxidants, but only when it's served black —
milk reduces its powers drastically. Some people swear by white
tea for its anti-ageing properties — although it's expensive
and I am not sure you would see the difference. Tea (green scores
higher than black) is rich in antioxidants because of its high
concentration of epigallocatechin gallate, which is 200 times
stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C.
Scientists have shown that levels of these rise significantly
in the blood within 30-50 minutes of drinking a cup of tea. Green
tea also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce levels
of harmful LDL cholesterol.
AND
WATER
Well-hydrated skin looks years younger. Drinking 2.5 litres will
also help to keep your energy levels up and cholesterol levels
down — water helps to swell the fibre in foods such as wholegrain,
oats, pulses, vegetables and fruits, and to work its magic in
lowering bad fat levels. And if you drink this amount each day
you’ll also be able to digest food better and absorb nutrients.