Cancer and Nutrition Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Cancer and Nutrition - Research Paper Example A variety of fruits and vegetables need to be added to once diet and it is good to select these fruits and vegetables based on different color. Different phytonutrients are present in fruits and vegetable with different color and a variety based on this criterion would be easy for identification by a layman. A diet that has high fiber food such as whole wheat, a balanced ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fats, antioxidants and phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables, such as ? & ?-carotene, ?-cryptoxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and other nutrients can aid in prevention of different types of cancers. This paper focuses on the role of nutrition in prevention of cancer and recurrence in those undergoing treatment for cancer. Cancer and Nutrition Introduction Cancer has always been a dreaded disease that I have ever come across in my life. There are many who have cancer and unfortunately, in many cases, it is because of ignoring some of the basic aspects of life such as good nutr ition. I have seen people suffer and die of this disease. My grandfather died of bone cancer and my mother has had thyroid cancer. Today, though there are easy methods of detecting and good treatments available, I believe that it is better to prevent cancer rather than look for treatments after having it. Over the years I have been keen to find natural methods to prevent cancer and nutrition is one of the prime subjects that I have come across. This paper highlights the importance of balanced nutrition in preventing cancer and also looks into the role of balanced nutrition in the recovery phase among the survivors of cancer. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) stated that â€Å"†¦.let food be your medicine and medicine be your food†. Today, after several centuries I would like to believe that what goes into the body as food mainly determines the health of a person. Though environment and other exposures may be reasons for a disease, a healthy person will be able to withstand advers e circumstances. Therefore, if nutrition has to take care of us, then what kind of nutrition is best for preventing diseases such as cancer? Researchers suggest that a plant based diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes are the best for cancer prevention (Mahtani, 2010a, para. 1). It is estimated that about one third of all cancers are due to poor nutrition. The use of tobacco is another major reason for additional one third cancers and if these two factors are controlled many people can be protected from this dreaded disease. Understanding the basic fact that a healthy diet plan together with regular exercise, a check on the body weight and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are some of the most simple techniques to keep one healthy and free from cancer or at least lower the risk of cancer. A plant based diet is rich in chemicals known as phytonutrients. These are healthy nutrients that are very essential for the well being of individuals. Phytonutrients include v itamins, minerals, and other chemicals such as antioxidants necessary for the prevention of cancer. Researchers suggest that the intake of phytonutrients is directly linked with the prevention of cancer. It is important to consume variety of fruits and vegetables rather than the same set of fruits and vegetables on a day-to-day basis. This gives us the benefit of a variety of plant based nutrients maximizing the cancer fighting agents in the body (Mahtani, 2010a). Another important question to be answered is that how will nutrition help cancer survivors? Though there are many researchers who have studied the role of nutrition in prevention of cancers, very less research has gone into role of nutrition for cancer survivors. Today, there are an increasing number of researchers who are contributing to