Nutrition
Preventing skin cancer with our diet
Intake of shrimps and salmon can prevent skin cancer
In this chapter, we will be discussing how we can prevent skin cancer with our diet.
Skin cancer is more common in Caucasians, but the incidence is on the rise in the black community according to WHO.
The two most common types are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but fortunately less common.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but it is more common in people who:
● Spend a lot of time in the sun or suffered sunburn.
● Have light coloured skin, hair and eye.
● Have family history.
● Older than 50 years.
Because the sun’s ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) rays promote cancer causing changes in the skin, learning sun safe practices is one way to protect one from skin cancer. Another way is to know the signs of skin cancer. This is usually a mole that is oddly shaped, strangely coloured, or unusually large, may be a sign of skin cancer, especially if it grows. That’s why it is important to check your skin regularly for moles and/or changes in already existing moles. You should also have your doctor check any suspicious skin markings and any changes in the way your skin looks. These steps can help in early diagnosis and management of skin cancer- the stage when cancer is most likely to be treated successfully. Catching cancer early may also prevent certain types of skin cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body.
In the misdt of all this, diet plays an important role which has to be harnessed.
Foods to include
● Astaxanthin rich foods such as; salmon and shrimps.
● Catechin rich foods such as green tea.
● D-limonene rich foods such as, grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, and bell peppers.
● Monounsaturated fatty acid rich foods such as; almonds, avocado, and walnuts.
Lifestyle modification
● Avoid direct exposure of the skin to the sun.
● Wear sunscreens when visiting the beach or pool.
● Wearing of protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for people who work directly under the sun and people with light coloured skin, hair and eye.
● Avoid excessive bleaching of the skin.
● Avoid cigarette smoking.
In conclusion, managing skin cancer can be very stressful and uncomfortable. A well-tailored diet and lifestyle can go a long way to prevent skin cancer. By following the recommendations above skin cancer will become the least of our worries.
The writer Dr. Bernice Asare Korkor is the CEO of Holistic Health Consult.
“Your diet your health, your health your wealth” Email holistichealthconsult.gmail.com
Nutrition
Akyeke
Akyeke
Akyeke is a popular Ghanaian dish made from grated cassava or yam.
The grated cassava or yam is mixed with spices and steamed until cooked.
It is often served with soup or stew made with vegetables and protein such as grilled or smoked fish.
The soup can be spicy or mild, depending on the preference of the person cooking it.
Akyeke is a nutritious and filling meal that is popular in Ghana and other West African countries like La Cote d’Ivoire.
Ingredients
2 cups of dried attieke
2 cups of water
2 tablespoonful of olive oil
One large onion
Salt to taste
Method
In a large bowl, mix attieke and water
After complete absorption of water, stir your attieke with a fork.
Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or steam while stirring for about 3 minutes.
Remove from microwave or steamer.
Add oil, diced onion & pepper, salt and bouillon stir well.
Serve warm or cold.
Nutrition
Roasted Peanut Snack Bar (Nkate Cake)
Delicious Abora
Ingredients
2 cups of roasted peanuts
1 cup of sugar
Preparation
– Remove the peanut husk and slightly crush them by using small mortar and pestle.
-In a pot on a medium heat, melt your sugar, (make sure not to burn the caramel)
-Add the crushed peanuts and mix really well until the mixture is well bounded together.
-Remove the mixture from the stove and pour it on a cutting board
-Use a roller pin to flatten the mixture (pay attention as it is hot)
-Cut and mould it into your desired shape
-Serve cold, and store the rest in an airtight container
Source: Savourous.com