Despite most people knowing the importance of eating vegetables, only one in ten Americans consume the recommended amount (two to four cups daily). Understanding why vegetables are crucial can motivate people to include them in their diet.
One key reason is that a vegetable-rich diet can significantly reduce the risk of various cancers. While all vegetables are beneficial, starting with one can make it easier to form the habit.
According to Dr. Anaum Maqsood from Houston Methodist, vegetables are high in antioxidants, which help protect against cancer by reducing chronic inflammation.
Antioxidants are vital for immune health and are found in all fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Dr. Daniel Landau from the Mesothelioma Center adds that vegetables help prevent cancer because they contain antioxidants that fight cancerous growth.
Dr. Donald Barry Boyd from Yale Cancer Center highlights that fiber, another component of vegetables, is crucial for gut health and immune health, which are linked to cancer prevention. High-fiber diets, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are essential for reducing cancer risk.
For those looking to maximize their nutritional intake, Dr. Maqsood recommends cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, and celery. These vegetables contain phytochemicals that can slow cancer growth. They are also versatile and easy to include in meals.
Dr. Landau suggests sneaking vegetables like zucchini into cookies or smoothies to encourage kids to eat them. He also enjoys sweet potatoes, which are nutritious and can be prepared in tasty ways, like baking or air-frying. Both doctors agree that while cruciferous vegetables are excellent, all vegetables contribute to cancer prevention, and people should prioritize the ones they enjoy most to ensure regular consumption.
Healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management also play significant roles in reducing cancer risk. If you’re not eating enough vegetables, start by incorporating one regularly into your meals and gradually increase your intake.
Experimenting with recipes can make this process enjoyable and help you reach the recommended two to four cups a day.
For more tips on cancer prevention, check out Parade’s original article.
Sources:
- Dr. Anaum Maqsood, Houston Methodist
- Dr. Daniel Landau, Mesothelioma Center
- Dr. Donald Barry Boyd, Yale Cancer Center
You can read the full article on Parade for more details.
https://parade.com/health/best-vegetable-for-cancer-prevention-according-to-oncologists