If a large number of studies highlight the protective role of certain foods, they are often controversial. Today, only a few risk factors are the subject of consensus.

A balance must

Fruits and vegetables, allies against any cancerAvant, a good balanced diet is essential. Thus, it is important to have a varied diet. Try as much as possible of the diverse contents of your plate. Moreover, it is necessary that your diet meets your needs. You need to adjust what you eat to your metabolism (see our application Calculate your calorie needs), your physical activity and your general condition (pregnancy, diabetes) to avoid excess.

Fruits and vegetables first!

Your best allies in the fight against cancer, these are the fruits and vegetables. Over the past 30 years, more than 250 studies have evaluated the relationship between these plants and this pathology. 80 have found a protective effect unequivocally. According to most studies, people who consume too few have a risk 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop cancer. This effect could be explained by the action of different components: fiber, vitamins, polyphenols. Several studies put forward including the role of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamins C and E and selenium.

Smokers beware!

But these protective effects of plants depend on many factors. They can sometimes change dramatically by all individuals and environmental factors. Thus the most famous example is that of beta-carotene. They are antioxidant compounds found in tomatoes or peppers. All studies emphasized their role in protecting against tumors. Scientists have therefore tried * to give supplements to smokers. Instead of protecting them, this has increased cases of lung cancer! Therefore the relative benefits of fruits and vegetables by the case!

Choose your allies

You must consume between 400 and 800 g per day plant. As stated by the Campaign Secretariat of Health of November 2001, this corresponds to 5 fruits and vegetables per day minimum. Purchased fresh, they bring all their nutritional qualities. But you can also buy canned or frozen. Some fruits and vegetables have a protective role specifically highlighted by recent studies:
* Tomatoes, peppers, carrot
And all other pigmented vegetables. These vegetables are extremely rich in carotene, the antioxidant whose protective properties are studied for many years.
* Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower
And all other varieties of crucifers. Several studies attribute to them a preventive role in the onset of breast or other female hormones.
* Cereals, prunes, peas
And all foods that contain fiber. Because they play a role “admittedly controversial” in preventing colon cancer.

And do not forget to eat in all cases at least five fruits and vegetables per day!

However, in order to make this nutritious diet people must have a sound health, drinking as much water as possible daily, preferably flavored teas with sugar or honey and spice minimally healthy every meal.

Example of daily menu:

Breakfast: tea and toast bread spread with a mixture of 3 tablespoons cream cheese, 1 tablespoon bulgur and 1 tablespoon of oats.

Mid-morning: yogurt with 2 tablespoons of wheat.

Lunch: meat, salad and fruit. The meals must also be spicy garlic powder.

Mid-afternoon: grated apple with cinnamon.

Snack: tea, biscuits, bran and prune compote made with sweetener and 1 tablespoon of cocoa.

Dinner: chicken, mashed potatoes and fruit. The meals must also be spiced parsley.

Before bed: warm milk with 1 tablespoon of crushed barley.