Pine Apples

The most recent reports from researchers at the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that only about 33% of all adults eat 2 servings of fruit per day and only about 27% eat 3 servings of vegetables per day. More and more research continues to show that diets high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Increasing these types of foods, while decreasing calorie dense fast foods can also help people control their weight. Most people are aware that obesity increases the risk of heart disease, but many are unaware that it also increases the risk of developing and dying from cancer.

Pine Apples

Many health care professionals refer to fruits, vegetables and whole grains as cancer preventing foods. Research concerning tomatoes indicates that even a few servings per week can reduce the risk of prostrate cancer. It appears that components in this fruit/vegetable can actually decrease tumor size and kill cancer cells. Research concerning other fruits and vegetables has returned similar results in the laboratory. The American Cancer Society is currently sponsoring research concerning broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables; spinach and other dark leafy greens; carrots and other orange vegetables.

Research began many years ago concerning the dietary habits of certain population groups. In specific groups where a lower incidence of cancer was found, the average diets varied, some contained foods and beverages that were considered unhealthy. In specific groups where a lower incidence of heart disease was found, again, the average diet varied, but usually contained some foods and beverages that are considered unhealthy. It is believed that certain foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and whole grains can counteract the affect of some less healthy foods.

For example, research concerning residents of France showed that even though their diets were high in fat, they experience less heart disease than Americans. It is believed that an antioxidant found in red grapes and other red fruits counteract the potentially detrimental affects of their high fat diet. It seems to actually "clean out" their arteries. All of this research has led to more research concerning health foods preventing heart disease and cancer.

The majority of the current research concerning health foods preventing heart disease and cancer focuses on fruits, vegetables and whole grains or specific components of these. The reason that multi-colored fruits and vegetables are important cancer preventing foods and are recommended for a healthy diet is because each color contains a different antioxidant. All of which have been shown in laboratory tests to do one or more of the following; reduce the affect of oxidative stress on human cells, kill cancer cells or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Oxidative stress can lead to the formation of free radicals, which in turn, through a chain reaction can lead to the growth of cancerous cells and eventually tumors. Antioxidants can stop the chain reaction by eliminating the free radicals and could prevent most types of cancer. One of the best known antioxidants is vitamin C, found in most fruits and vegetables. Large quantities are present in oranges, papaya, peaches, pineapples, tomatoes, kale, parsley, spinach, cherries and broccoli. These are typically included in a list of health foods preventing heart disease and cancer.

While the United States is conducting research into health foods preventing heart disease and cancer, many other countries have already concluded research and are using components of different heart disease and cancer preventing foods to treat life threatening conditions. The following is a brief summary of some of alternative treatments being used in other countries.

Intravenous mega doses of vitamin C are being used to successfully treat cancer patients. Bromelain, a component of the pineapple, is being used to treat heart disease. Anthocyanins, a lesser known antioxidant, found in apples, cherries and cranberries are being used to treat atherosclerosis, hypertension and diabetes. Hypertension and diabetes are risk factors contributing to heart disease. Any of the foods mentioned here could be included in a list of health foods preventing heart disease and cancer.

If you do not eat enough cancer preventing foods, there are new supplements and juices that contain the "whole food" and thus all of the components contained in them. To learn more...

Russell Cantwell is the editor of http://www.whole-food-supplements-guide.com. Visit cancer preventing foods to learn more about whole food supplements packed with anti-cancer foods.

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