In fact, estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer suggest that as much as 50-90% of the cancer in this country could be eliminated if Americans adopted the diet and lifestyle of low-risk countries. A plant-centered diet is more likely to include the 5-9 daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables recommended by the National Cancer Institute, as well as richer levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, flavonoids, and phytoestrogens than the typical American diet. Research also suggests that those consuming a low-fat vegetarian diet have higher levels of natural killer cells, which appear to make the immune system more effective in destroying tumors.

Along with generous levels of nutrients and fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables contain unique compounds - phytochemicals - with valuable anti-cancer properties. Some act to detoxify carcinogens, while others prevent carcinogens from penetrating cells. Indole-3-carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower appears to be particularly beneficial.

Worldwide, populations that consume plant-based diets have considerably lower breast cancer rates than those with more Western-type diets. For example, death rates due to breast cancer in the United States are about five times greater than in China, four times greater than in Japan and three times greater than in Mexico, according to the American Cancer Society. Learn more in Part Three of this series.

This entry was posted by Kiki Powers, MS, CNC on March 10th, 2008 under Health and Wellness with keywords .