The latest CDC statistics on Cardiovascular disease are rather grim; With an alarming number of approximately 659,000 people dying each year in the US alone, CVD is not to be taken lightly. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death not only in the US, but also worldwide. Previous studies have shown that eating more seafood was associated with a reduction in all causes and CVD-related mortality. Seafood is known to contain the following: heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fats Iron Iodine (during pregnancy) Choline Based on information published by the FDA, Choline, for example, supports the development of the baby’s spinal cord. The iron and zinc found in fish help to support children’s immune systems. Protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium are also other sources of nutrients derived from fish. Nonetheless, many people choose to limit their seafood consumption because of fear of mercury exposure from seafood. Most Common Way People Are Exposed ...
Did You Know This About Cancer?
When we prepare our meals, we shouldn’t only prepare food
just to satisfy our hunger. We should also try as much as possible to select
food items that are very nutritious and can help to reduce the risk of certain
illnesses, such as diabetes,
hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and others. Because cancer is by far the most deadly of all medical conditions mentioned above, it’s of paramount importance that we fully grasp the
co-relations between nutrition and cancer and the actions we can take to
reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this illness.
Fighting Cancer
No doubt that the most effective approach in the fight
against cancer is health education, such as educating ourselves on the
importance of negative lifestyle modifications. Since nutrition is believed to
be one of the primary causes of cancer, in this post, we will be focusing mainly
on a few recommended dietary changes that can help tremendously to minimize the likelihood of developing cancer.
Recommended Dietary
Changes
The American Cancer Society believes that approximately
one-third of all cancers in the United States are related to nutrition. Therefore, it
suffices to say that a healthy diet can indeed play an essential role in reducing the
risk of cancer. Based on RDA(required dietary allowances) recommendation, the diet should be low in fat (particularly from animal
sources), high in fiber, and include a substantial amount of foods from plant
sources. Protein intake should be limited to the RDA guidelines, and the daily
consumption of cruciferous vegetables, fruits, and green tea is also
encouraged. Alcohol should only be consumed in moderation.
As far as fat, fibers, proteins, fruits, and vegetables are concerned,
let’s look at the RDA recommendations and why we should
limit the intake of the above groups of food within the specified guidelines.
Fat
1. Total fat intake
should be limited to less than 20% of total daily calories.
Why?
- High fat intake has been linked primarily to breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
Fiber
2. Consume at least 2.5
grams of fiber daily.
Why?
- Low intake of fiber seems to increase the risk for colon cancer.
- Fibers seem to decrease the risk for colon cancer.
What is one good source of fiber?
Example: Grains
Why?
- Grains are high in fiber and contain vitamins and minerals (folate, selenium, and calcium), decreasing the risk for colon cancer.
Proteins
3. Eat 2-3 Servings of Meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs & Nuts Daily
- Researchers believe that too much animal protein decreases blood enzymes that prevent precancerous cells from developing into tumors.
Fruits & Vegetables
4. It’s Also Recommended That You Consume 5-9 Servings of Fruits and Vegetables Daily. The Following Should be Included:
Fresh fruits such as ( pineapples, strawberries, blueberries) and more
Green and Dark Yellow Vegetables
Green and Dark Yellow Vegetables
Cruciferous
Vegetables (Cauliflower, Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts, and
Kohlrabi)
Why?
- Vegetables contain a lot of beta-carotene ( a precursor to vitamin A) and vitamin C.
- Most fruits and vegetables prevent cancer-causing hormones from locking onto cells.
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