9 Ways to Live Healthy and Avoid Cancer
Healthy diet choices against cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight – According to many studies, excess body weight has been directly linked with several types of cancer. If you focus on maintaining a balanced body weight or losing weight according to a body mass index (BMI), you will drastically reduce your risks of developing cancer.
- Limit added sugars and solid fats – It’s also advisable to limit your intake of foods that are high in added sugar and solid fats. The reason for this is that they are extremely high in calories, but not so rich in nutrients. This category of foods includes sugar-sweetened beverages, highly processed snack foods, sweets, and desserts. With these sorts of foods, calories add up very fast, which may lead to undesired weight gain and leave little room for something healthier and more nutritious.
- Include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your menu – Whole fruits, whole grains, and non-starchy vegetables are directly linked to lower cancer risk. While it isn’t yet clear what components in vegetables and fruits are the most protective against the disease, you can easily enjoy this variety of foods that are very rich in nutrients. Make sure you fill your plate with vegetables and fruits at least once a day!
- Moderate your portions of red and processed meats – There are some studies that suggest there’s a link between the colon and other types of cancer and red meat intake. When it comes to processed meats like ham, bacon, and hot dogs, you should consider consuming them in moderation. Instead, try adding a smaller portion of meat to your plate, and fill up the rest of it with vegetables.