A long-term irregular and uncontrolled lifestyle increases the risk of cancer. But you can now reduce that risk if you choose to. You just need to add some foods to your diet and cut out others.

• Cut out sugary drinks: sugary drinks are a main cause of obesity and diabetes. Research by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found that drinking sugary drinks raises the risk of cancer by up to about 87 per cent. So avoid sugary drinks as much as possible.
• Garlic: this pungent medicinal plant contains allyl sulphur compounds, which build up the immune system against cancer. One study found that garlic helps cut the risk of colon cancer by 50 per cent. Garlic is also very good for the heart.
• Eat nuts regularly: nuts contain plenty of calories. People who eat nuts regularly have a lower risk of cancer, because nuts can act on cancer by affecting the respiratory and nervous systems. Since cancer can have many causes, nuts can only reduce the risk from a few of them.
• Avoid alcohol: too much alcohol raises the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus and larynx. So alcohol should be avoided completely.
• Sit less: one survey found that people who spend most of the day sitting have a 24 per cent higher risk of cancer. So instead of sitting for long stretches, walk around for at least a few minutes every hour.

Source: Banglanews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.