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Cancer & Diabetes Fighting Foods

Cancer and diabetes are life-changing diseases. If you are already diagnosed with one of these diseases, good nutrition cannot take the place of medical treatment. However, healthy eating habits can certainly help support traditional medical care. Good nutrition can also help prevent you from getting these diseases in the first place. Choose well-balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein sources.

  1. Vitamin E

    • Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means that it is especially efficient at protecting your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Sufficient quantities of vitamin E can give your immune system a boost. It may also help ward off cancer, particularly prostate and bladder cancer. Vitamin E is also helpful for preventing the complications of diabetes. Diabetics often suffer from neuropathy, kidney disease and eye problems. They may also have a higher risk of a stroke or heart attack. Vitamin E may help prevent these complications. Vitamin E is naturally found in foods such as almonds, olives, corn and peanut oil, apples, asparagus, avocadoes, mangoes, peanuts, sweet potatoes and wheat germ.

    Vitamin C

    • Vitamin C enters your body's cells via insulin. Unfortunately, this means that diabetics often do not absorb as much vitamin C as they need. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about taking large doses of vitamin C. You may find that your circulation problems and other diabetic complications improve. Vitamin C can also help prevent cancer. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents damage to your cells and helps block the formation of cancerous cells. Vitamin C is naturally found in citrus fruits like kiwi, pineapple, orange and lime. It's also in carrots, raw cauliflower, bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries and Brussels sprouts.

    Fish Oil

    • If you are diabetic, talk to your doctor about adding a fish oil supplement to your routine. While fish oil will have no effect on your blood sugar levels, it can help you in other ways. The essential fatty acids may help prevent or slow the progression of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). Eating fish at least twice a week or taking fish oil supplements may also help prevent cancer. If you already have cancer, it may help slow the growth of tumors.

    Fiber

    • A minimum of 30g of fiber daily (50g is better) can help diabetics prevent their blood sugar from spiking or suddenly dropping. Fiber does this by slowing down how quickly your body digests carbohydrates. This balances out your blood sugar levels. And while extra fiber may not help you prevent or combat cancer, adequate consumption of fiber is an important part of any healthy lifestyle. Fiber is naturally found in plant foods such as nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains. You can also purchase over-the-counter fiber supplements.

    Carotenes

    • Carotenes (natural pigments) are not vitamins, but they can convert into vitamin A in your body. When your body already has enough vitamin A, the extra carotenes serve as antioxidants. This provides a huge boost to your immune system. Antioxidants combat the damage free radicals can do to your cells, which may help you ward off cancer. People who consume plenty of carotenes in their diets also have a lower risk of developing diabetes. Carotenes are found in healthy foods such as apples, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, tomatoes and peas.

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