Mind and Body
 
 

Home > Mind and Body > Healthy Body > Nutrition Wise
  Discussion Boards Free Newsletter Shopping Refer this page Readers Tips
Nutrition Wise
Weekly column for the week of: May 5, 2008

 
Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN
American Institute for Cancer Research

Q: Does diet influence risk of pancreatic cancer?

A: Researchers note that there is a convincing link between excess body fat – particularly fat around the waist – and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. But we need more research about the role of particular food choices and their effect on risk. Although studies are inconsistent, foods that may offer a protective effect include: fruits (which supply vitamin C and other antioxidant phytochemicals to protect our cells’ DNA) and foods that supply folate (a B vitamin needed to produce and repair DNA). Important sources of folate include green leafy vegetables and dried beans. Limited evidence also suggests that getting regular physical activity and limiting intake of red meat – both steps that clearly lower risk of colon cancer – may also help protect against pancreatic cancer. In addition, smoking also increases the risk of pancreatic cancers. According to recent statistics those who smoke are at least twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer than nonsmokers, so always avoid tobacco.

Q: Do the grading levels on beef like “Prime” or “Choice” tell us anything about the meat’s nutritional value?

A: These meat grades, assigned by inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), rates beef for its anticipated tenderness and juiciness based on the animal’s age and the amount of fat marbled throughout the meat. Prime beef has the most fat marbling, making it the most tender, but also the least desirable nutritionally. Most beef you see in the grocery store is Choice, which has moderate amounts of fat marbling, but is still quite tender. Select is the healthiest choice because it has the least fat marbling, but that makes it less tender. Choosing Select beef can pay off, however, since it is not only the leanest, but also the least expensive. The trick is to cook the meat to a safe degree of doneness, but avoid overcooking it, which can make it dry and tough. In addition to choosing a grade of meat with less marbling, you can also select a cut of beef that is naturally leaner. Beef cuts like the loin, sirloin or round all tend to be leaner than meat from the ribs or brisket. To further reduce the fat content of beef, be sure to carefully trim off all visible fat around the exterior prior to cooking. And always remember: To reduce your cancer risk, limit your consumption of red meat to no more than 18 ounces per week.

Q: Does asparagus have compounds that help protect us from cancer?

A: Asparagus is an excellent source of folate, a B vitamin necessary to produce and repair our DNA. According to a major international report on diet and cancer prevention released by the American Institute for Cancer Research, foods high in folate may lower risk of cancers of the colon, pancreas and esophagus. Asparagus also provides vitamin C and beta-carotene, two compounds that may offer additional cancer protection. In addition, you’ll find potassium, which helps control blood pressure, and vitamin B-6, needed for a properly functioning immune system and production of red blood cells. Note, however, that many of these nutrients are water-soluble. To preserve the nutritional value, don’t cook asparagus in a big pot of boiling water. For optimum nutrition and taste, bake, grill or lightly steam your asparagus.

 
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates the public about the results. It has contributed more than $86 million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals and research centers across the country. AICR has published two landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk. Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in brochures, seminars and on its website, www.aicr.org. AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.

More Health Articles

More Healthy Food Recipes

print this article

submit an article

refer this page to a friend
Related Links Related Books

Google
Web PT

Related Articles

What Activities Are Preventing You From Exercising

Body Toning - Answers To Frequently Asked Questions

Battle With Burn-Out

Learn the Real Dangers of Poor Sleep

Herbal and Ayurvedic Remedies for Dark Under Eye Circles

Morning Sickness During Pregnancy And How To Reduce Your Symptoms

click for more

Let's Talk!
Medical Ailments
Weight Loss
Exercise
Weight Gain

 

OUR NEWSLETTER
Enter your name and email address below to subscribe to our newsletter. It's FREE!
Name:
Email:
  Channel Guide
Skin Care
Hair Care
Aromatherapy
Eye Care
Dental Care
Massage Oils
Hands & Feet
Perfume & Colognes
Bath Recipes
Soap Making
Parenting
Relationships
Weddings
Direct Answers Column
Personal Development
Inspirational Quotes
Healthy Body
Natural Healing
Herbal Database
Healthy Mind
Your Environment

 

Translate This Page
French / German / Italian / Japanese / Chinese / Russian / Spanish / Swedish

Contact us About Us Advertising Author Directory Privacy Terms Of Use Article Submissions Lifestyle
© Copyright 1999 - 2008 Pioneer Thinking. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
* tm; the property of Pioneer Thinking Company.
 
No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without the expressed permission of Pioneer Thinking
 
Optimized for MSIE 7 - Firefox 2 - 1280x800