Colon cancer is a common type of cancer that occurs in the lining and glands of the large intestine and rectum. It is a silent killer because cancer patients are almost non-symptomatic before the cancer reaches metastatic stages and treatment has little effect. The aggregation of pathogens and toxins in the colon is the most important instigator of tumor growth. This is why elderly, people with habitual constipation or have poor digestive functions are at high risk of developing this deadly disease.
The best way to prevent colon cancer is by minimizing your exposure to toxins like smoke and alcohol, red and processed meat, MSG and other artificial flavor enhancers. Eat a high-fiber diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, especially those concentrated with powerful antioxidants that prevent infections and cancer growth. The following four foods are most reputable for colon cancer prevention.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is the number one vegetable for disease and cancer prevention. Raw broccoli contains two of the most powerful anti-cancerous agents in nature, diinodylmethane and sulforaphane. The combined action of these two chemicals can effectively suppress tumor growth in even the more aggressive types of cancers. Lightly cooked broccoli is also beneficial to your colon health. One cup of lightly cooked broccoli can give you more than 150% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C and 20% RDI of dietary fiber. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A, E and K as well as folate, which are all critical to your digestive functions and immunity.
2. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are very effective for relieving constipation and irritable bowels, and they are considered a superfood for colon cancer prevention. Sweet potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber and antioxidant vitamins and minerals like beta carotene, vitamin C and E, pantothenic acid and manganese. High intake of these nutrients can speed up the movement of your bowels, reduce your colon's exposure to toxins, and thus lower the likelihood of intestinal cell mutation. In addition, sweet potatoes also contain significantly amount of phytosterols, which is another key defense against colon cancer.
3. Yogurt
Eating yogurt each day is the best thing you can do for your intestinal health. The probiotic bacteria in yogurt balances your resident flora, and prevents the colonization of potential pathogens. Yogurt also accelerates your bowel movement, and those that are fortified with extra fiber are especially notable for promoting fast waste elimination. Yogurt is also the best source for easily absorbable calcium and vitamin D. Deficiency of these two nutrients can elevate your risk of colon cancer. The byproducts of yogurt digestion increase your colon acidity and create an inhibitory shield against polyps and tumor formation.
4. Tuna
Having enough selenium in your diet is critical to detoxification of your system and minimizing your risk of cell mutation. Tuna contains tremendous amount of selenium. A 3-ounce tuna fillet gives you nearly 60% RDI of selenium. Eating tuna also supplies you with significant amounts of essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These good fats are not only important for your heart health, they are also important to cancer prevention.
