Cancer Prevention- Whole Foods not Packaged Foods

Cancer is caused when the usual stop-dividing mechanisms of a cell aren’t working properly. One of the reasons the stop-dividing mechanism of a cell does not work properly is because the DNA, which is where the instruction manual of the cell is stored, has become warped. One way DNA can become warped is by free radicals. Free radicals are rogue atoms that jump around molecules where they don’t belong, looking for electrons, and wreaking havoc. Fortunately there is a way to calm down these free radicals. Antioxidants are molecules that can give free radicals the electrons they are looking for. This electron donation calms the free radicals so they cease to be a threat to DNA, and therefore cease to be cancer-promoting agents.

Antioxidants are manufactured within the body and can also be extracted from the foods we eat such as fruits, whole grains nuts and vegetables. Antioxidants are part of the immune system of plants, which is one of the many reasons fruits and vegetables are so good for us.

Here are some antioxidants and the foods they are found in:

Beta-carotene-is found in many foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin and mangos. Some green, leafy vegetables, including collard greens, spinach and kale, are also rich in beta-carotene.

Lutein- is best known for its association with healthy eyes and is abundant in green, leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach and kale.

Lycopene-is a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges and other foods. Estimates suggest 85 percent of American dietary intake of lycopene comes from tomatoes and tomato products.

Selenium-is a mineral, not an antioxidant nutrient. However, it is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. The amount of selenium in soil, which varies by region, determines the amount of selenium in the foods grown in that soil. Animals that eat grains or plants grown in selenium-rich soil have higher levels of selenium in their muscle (meat). In the United States, meats and bread are common sources of dietary selenium. Brazil nuts also contain large quantities of selenium.

Vitamin A- is found in many foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, milk and egg yolks.

Vitamin C-is also called ascorbic acidand can be found in high abundance in many fruits and vegetables and is also found in cereals, poultry and fish.

Vitamin E- also known as alpha-tocopherol, is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils and is also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

As you can see, there are no donuts, tortilla chips or cupcakes on this list. All the foods that are rich in antioxidants and may promote cancer prevention are whole foods. One of the best things you can do for you and your family’s health is to eat more foods that are from the ground, not the package.