Food For Life Cancer Project: Fueling Up and Cancer Fighting Compounds

Dietary fat not only hinders the immune system, it also drives hormone production, which can mean higher rates of hormone-related cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. Fiber helps your body rid itself of toxins, waste hormones, excess cholesterol, chemicals, and other undesirables. It is especially important in helping the immune system function properly, as well as facilitating the removal of waste from the body. Without fiber in the diet, these excess compounds are often reabsorbed into the bloodstream, leading to a possible increased risk of cancer. Steering clear of meat, dairy products, fried foods, and other fatty fare is an important first step in preventing and surviving cancer. The easiest way to be healthy is to build your meals from foods that are naturally low in fat and to use cooking methods that do not require added fats or oils. In this class you will learn how to prepare delicious, low-fat dishes made from whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Both antioxidants and the body’s immune system are critically important in fighting cancer. Cancer-fighting compounds such as antioxidants, mainly found in fruits and vegetables, assist in halting free-radical damage, which can otherwise lead to cancer development. This class will explore foods that are rich in protective compounds and immune-boosting nutrients such as beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin C, and zinc. It is important to be generous with a variety of vegetables and fruits as you plan your menu. Studies have demonstrated the ability of diets rich in vegetables and fruits to boost immunity and to reduce the likelihood that cancer will develop in the first place. Based on scientific research, vegetarians have approximately double the natural killer cell activity (natural killer cells engulf and destroy cancer cells) compared to nonvegetarians.