Forsyth Medical Center 
Nutrition and Cancer
Healthy Living Advice
| Below is an article providing tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle. |
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Eat More! (written by Julie Lanford, MPH, RD, LDN)
Most people know that they should eat less fat, less sodium and less sugar but why not focus on the positive and think about what you should eat more of? One thing to focus on is making sure that your body gets enough phytochemicals everyday. Sometimes called "cancer phyters," phytochemicals are natural compounds that are found in plant foods. They work together with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients to protect against diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
There are more than 900 different phytochemicals that have been found in plant foods and more will continue to be discovered. Some of the more common types of phytochemicals are beta carotene, lutein and lycopene. Fruits and vegetables that are bright colors (yellow, orange, red, green, blue and purple) generally contain the most phytochemicals. You can benefit from all the phytochemicals and nutrients found in plant foods by eating:
- 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
- whole grains
- soy
- nuts
- dried beans (black-eyed peas, pintos, black and kidney beans)
One simple way to get in more phytochemicals is to look at your plate at meal time. Make sure that 1/2 is covered in fruits or vegetables; 1/4 with protein; and 1/4 with whole grains.
Bottom line: Eat more plant foods to get your phytochemicals and fight disease.
Source: www.dole5aday.com
For more information
For more information on phytochemicals, contact the Oncology and Wellness Dietitian, or come to the next Living Well class.
