Antioxidants: The landscapers of your body

‘Cancer is a part of our life, but it’s not our whole life’- Nick Prochak, athlete and cancer survivor

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30-50% of all cancers are preventable. Cancer has been around for centuries and for as long, people have been trying to manage and cure it. But what is it and how do our bodies try to manage it?

Cancer is when our DNA goes haywire, gets damaged, over-multiplies, and sometimes even travels to places it shouldn’t. How does our DNA get damaged?

There are 6 variables which can increase the risk of developing cancer:

1.    Having a family history of cancer

2.    Cigarette smoking

3.    Excessive, long-term stress

4.    Excessive radiation exposure

5.    Obesity

6.    A diet high in ultra-processed foods

Cancer development is highly dependent on excessive oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is what happens when there are too many free radicals circulating in the body, damaging DNA, cell membranes and proteins.

But when we look at our body as a garden, some landscapers can help.

These landscapers, known as antioxidants. Antioxidants binds to the free radicals, rendering them harmless in the body. There are a number of various antioxidants, including: vitamins A, C, E, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and carotenoids. 

Sources of antioxidants are in abundance:

·         Yellow and orange produce: Citrus fruits such as oranges, naartjies, grapefruit, limes

·         Red and purple produce: Beetroot, berries, grapes, eggplants

·         Green leafy foods: Broccoli, cabbage, spinach

·         Other foods such as green tea, cocoa and peanuts

·         Legumes like red kidney beans and black beans

Of course, there is no golden key to managing cancer. Stress management, exercise and sober habits help to prevent developing it and to staying in remission.

So stay healthy but please consult your physician if you notice anomalies.

Shelldon Athena Breda, registered dietitian, M.Sc.