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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. However, studies suggest that simple lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet and exercise can prevent 30-50% of all cancers.

There is no doubt that certain dietary habits can either increase or decrease your risk of cancer. 

Here are some relations between food and cancer:

1. Certain foods may increase the risk of cancer if consumed in excess

If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to take a look at this. 

Researchers have found that a diet that causes blood glucose levels to spike is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including stomach, breast and colorectal cancers. 

It’s thought that higher levels of blood glucose and insulin are cancer risk factors.

Aside from that, processed meat - A large review of studies found that people who ate large amounts of processed meat had a 20–50% increased risk of colorectal cancer, compared to those who ate very little or none of this type of food. 

Protein is an essential, but be moderate in your consumption.

2. Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Excess body fat contributes to insulin resistance, which is crucial to absorb glucose in one’s body. 

Being obese can also increase your risk of 13 different types of cancer, including the esophagus, colon, pancreas and kidney, as well as breast cancer after menopause.

3. “Certain foods have anti-cancer properties”

Remember, there is no cure for cancer. Prevention is our only option. 

There is no single superfood that can prevent cancer, but rather, a holistic dietary approach is likely to be most beneficial.

Scientists suggest consuming the right diet for cancer can reduce your risk by up to 70%, and it can also help you recover quicker. 

Here are some “anti-cancer” food groups: Vegetables, fruit, flaxseeds, spices, beans and legumes, nuts, olive oil, garlic, fish & dairy.

4. The right diet can have beneficial effects for people with cancer

While there is no diet that has been proven to cure cancer, proper nutrition can help complement traditional cancer treatments, aid in recovery, reduce unpleasant symptoms, and increase overall quality of life. 

A diet sufficient in high-quality protein and calories may help reduce muscle atrophy. Good protein sources include lean meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and dairy products.

A good diet is all you need to prevent the risk of cancer. Stay away from processed meat, refined carbs, salt and alcohol as much as possible, as it can increase your risk. 

It takes time to develop a routine towards your diet, hence, starting early is the right choice.

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