Nutrition

Overcoming colon cancer with diet

Foods to fight colon cancer

In this chapter, we will be discussing how we can overcome colon cancer with our diet.

Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. Colon cancer is a fast rising type of cancer but often curable if you catch it early enough.

Some risk factors implicated in colon cancer include:

• Polyps-growths inside the colon and rectum that may turn into cancer.

• High fat diet

• Advance age

• Family history or personal history of colorectal cancer

• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Some signs and symptoms include: blood in the stool, thin stools, a change in bowel habits and general abdominal discomfort. However, it may be without symptoms, and thus requires screening.

Treatment option include: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Notwithstanding, prevention they say is better than cure and one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer is through our diet.

Foods to include

• Fibre rich diet such as whole grains, brown rice, broccoli, and black beans.

• Calcium rich diet such as milk, broccoli, and cabbage.

• Folate rich food such as spinach, cauliflower, asparagus, and artichokes.

• Anthocyaninrich food such as blueberries and cherries.

• Lutein rich foods such as tomatoes, spinach, nectarines, and broccoli.

Foods to avoid

• Sodas and caffeine rich drinks

• Red meat and meat products

• Processed foods

Lifestyle modification

Modifying our lifestyle from a predominantly sedentary lifestyle to incorporating exercises like going for walks, jogging, and riding bicycles, as well as cutting down alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking all serve to reduce our risk of colon cancer.

In conclusion, we may not be as informed about colon cancer as certain other cancers, but it nevertheless poses a major risk to our healthy life and peace of mind, which cannot be underestimated. By following the modifications and food choices listed above, we can guarantee many more years of life free from colon cancer.

The writer is aNutrionist and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Holistic Health Consult “Your health your wealth.”

E-mail; info@holistichealthconsult. org

By Bernice Korkor Asare

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com