by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Dragon Tales by Phyllis Parker Abreast A River Team Member

Keeping or making our bodies fit through proper exercise if widely proclaimed. Keeping or becoming fit through proper nutrition is equally important. December's column dealt with fitness as it relates to breast cancer survivors. Today's column looks at proper diet as another step toward good health.

Current research suggests that a healthy diet is one of the defences against breast cancer. It also becomes an important part of breast cancer treatment and recovery, as tissues are repaired and maintained against further difficulties.

Canada's Food Guide is a good place to start. So much is known today about foods that may be helpful. Many contain compounds now known to be cancer fighting. They appear to interrupt the growth of cancer cells, directly block tumour development, or act as antioxidants.

One food that has received a great deal of attention recently is tomatoes. They are a valuable source of lycopene which has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and may also have a positive effect against breast cancer. Two other sources of lycopene are watermelon and pink grapefruit.

Many cancer-fighting agents are available in berries (blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries) which all contain antioxidants or in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale) which contain indoles and isocyanates. Both of these compounds act in a number of different ways to interrupt growth of cancer cells.Research also shows that a high fibre diet is a great way to lower breast cancer risk. We obtain fibre from fruits and vegetables but also in whole grains and cereals and foods such as flax.

Many people, in addition to being concerned over what type of food to eat, worry over whether their food choices should be organic to avoid the presence of pesticides. Experts feel that consumers do not need to buy their foods based on pesticide risk alone. The nutritional value of plant foods and their role in promoting health and reducing cancer risk outweighs any potential risks associated with pesticides. The best steps to reduce exposure to pesticides are washing, scrubbing, peeling and/or trimming. Choosing healthy looking produce regardless of whether it is organic or non-organic is the wisest method.

We are fortunate in Canada to have a wide selection of nourishing foods and continually improving regulations for its' safe production and sale. The choices available to us give us every reason to choose wisely as we plan our meals.

For further information on all cancers call The Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333