Foods That Fight Cancer

As the nation’s second most deadly disease, cancer brings with it several risk factors. 

Therefore, it’s logical that we take a good look at the foods we’re eating, and start introducing nutrient-rich foods that are known to help reduce the cancer risk.   

A diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruits, including juices made from 100 percent fruit juice, can make a big difference in your cancer risk. 
 

Foods rich in phytochemicals which are found in beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are strong choices. 

So are dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, romaine lettuce, and collard greens, which are packed with fiber, lutein, and carotenoids - all cancer-fighting substances. 

Focus on choosing foods that have abundant amounts of vitamins C, E, and A, all antioxidants themselves.

 These help protect you from cancer by preventing the growth of free radicals in your body.

Tomatoes are an awesome cancer-fighting superfood. 

Not only do tomatoes contain lycopene, the antioxidant phytochemical that also helps prevent heart disease, but they're a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, all which do battle against cancer-causing free radicals. 

  Add them to your salad or use as a topping on your homemade pizza. They’re also a great way of adding some zest to your favorite sandwich. 

Watermelon is also stuffed full of antioxidants, and includes about 80 percent of your daily vitamin C requirement. It is also a great source of vitamin A, or beta carotene. And like tomatoes, it also contains lycopene. 

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, which help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer. 

Plus cabbage is rich in fiber and has almost 50 percent of daily requirement of vitamin C, making it a well-rounded superfood with cancer-fighting power. 

Carrots are also a wonderful source of fiber and beta carotene, and they have about three times the daily requirement of vitamin A.

Did you know that one-quarter cup of kidney beans has the same amount of fiber and protein as two ounces of red meat? 

Whole wheat pasta is also a good source of fiber, and broccoli will tip the daily scales for your daily vitamin A and C needs. 

Toss them all together with your favorite low-fat Italian dressing for a simple dinner of cancer-fighting proportions.

Strawberries and blueberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. 

They’re quick and simple finger food, and easily be added to your favorite whole grain cereal oatmeal, or low-fat yogurt.

Some Cholesterol Reducing Vitamins And Drugs

Having an abnormally high cholesterol level can put one at risk of developing heart disease.

It won't be an instant thing; heart disease can gradually develop as a person ages and as one continues to maintain a very high cholesterol level.

If you plan to live well over your years, then lowering your cholesterol levels at the earliest time possible will be able to help you achieve your goal.

There are certain medications available in the market today that aim to lower cholesterol levels.

They are grouped in different classes most notable of which are HMG-CoA Inhibitors or otherwise known as "statins".

The drugs belonging in this group try to block the enzyme HMG-CoA, which functions as one of the steps required to convert fat into cholesterol.

Statins are known to be the most effective cholesterol lowering agent to date and have become a great help to people requiring drastic reduction of their cholesterol levels.

There are also cholesterol lowering drugs called bile acid sequestrants that work by binding itself with the bile produced by the human liver.

Bile is the substance that aids in the digestion system and in the absorption of fats in the intestine.

Bile acid sequestrants prevent the formation of cholesterol by preventing bile acid from digesting fats.

There are also vitamins that help lower cholesterol levels. Most prominent among them is Vitamin B3 or niacin.

Niacin is one of the eight water-soluble B vitamins that help the body convert carbohydrates into glucose which is used in the body for energy.

The B vitamins are also important in the breakdown of body fat and protein as well as in the aid in making the nervous system, skin, eyes, hair, mouth, and liver healthy.


Niacin also helps the body in getting rid of toxic and harmful chemicals.

Niacin has also been found to increase the effects of other cholesterol reducing drugs.

But such an effect would only be possible if niacin is taken in large doses.

But people are also warned to be careful of trying to lower their cholesterol levels by taking in large doses of Niacin.

Large amounts of this B vitamin can cause flushing of the skin due to dilating blood vessels as well as other side effects such as itching, headaches, nausea and muscle cramps.

Other vitamins and substances also credited in helping the body lower its cholesterol levels is Lecithin and vitamins C and E.

Lecithin works by allowing fats and cholesterol to be dispersed from the body and help prevent fatty buildup in the arteries.

Vitamins C and E have also shown to help in trying to help prevent heart disease by protecting LDL cholesterol from damage.

Although LDL cholesterol is also known as the "bad" cholesterol, most cardiologists believe that only damaged LDL contributes to the increasing risk of heart disease.

How To Lower Cholesterol Levels The Natural Way

Studies have shown that the number of people who are obese or overweight has gone up through the years.

 This is attributed to the type of food being served in schools and fast food joints as well the lack of physical activity as the person grows older.

The problem goes farther because this means that many more Americans will suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes in the future.

The good news is that this can be prevented before it is too late.

The natural way to lower the cholesterol will be by making some lifestyle changes and exercising regularly.

 This will help the individual lose weight, which is directly related to the cholesterol levels in the human body.

When people think of dieting, many think this means saying goodbye to some of life’s more juicer foods but it is not.

The person will just have to limit the consumption and add new things that are healthier.

More often, this will require eating foods that are high in fiber and low in saturated fats.

A few examples of these are artichokes, corn, fish, garlic, legumes, mushrooms, nut, olive oil, soy milk and whole grains.

The individual should not forget to have some fruits and vegetables as well since these are rich in sterols that are known to keep the cholesterol levels down.

All of these products are affordable and can easily be purchased in the supermarket.

Aside from eating properly, the person must also take the necessary precautions when consuming liquids.

This means drinking a glass of red wine moderately, reducing the consumption of beer, drinking fresh juices, non-fat milk and water.

Apple juice for example has been known to reduce cholesterol levels by up to 50% when taken regularly.

Other fruits can also do the same so cutting this and putting it into a blender can do the trick or getting this in bottled form.   

The next step to lowering the cholestesterol levels naturally is through exercise.

This can be achieved in many ways such as brisk walking, jogging or running around the neighborhood.

Learning a new sport and doing it regularly is another option.  

Those who want to be looked after by a personal trainer can check out the gym since there are professionals that can create a program to achieve the person’s desired results.

This will be a combination of cardio-vascular exercises as well as weight lifting to burn the calories and lower the cholesterol levels.

There is another way to reduce the cholesterol levels but is only used as a last resort if these two do not work. The individual will be required to use medicine to make it happen.

There are a lot of products out there and studies have shown this can drop the cholesterol levels by as much as 15% to 30%.

The person should be aware though that these drugs have certain side effects so it is best to consult a doctor first to make sure it is safe to use. 

Cholesterol is something that is produced in the body and is also taken when food is eaten.

The only way to make sure the levels in the blood doesn’t exceed the limit is to have a checkup regularly and watch the food that is being cooked or served in the restaurant.