Liver cancer is one of the most common "health killers" in daily life and one of the most dangerous cancers to humans. Many people who are diagnosed with liver cancer die within a year. It poses a significant threat, so actively preventing liver cancer in daily life is particularly important. Preventing cancer through diet is a good method, and following dietary principles can help resist liver cancer.
I. "Four Eats" for Preventing Liver Cancer
1. Eat Carrots and Citrus Fruits
The protective effect of vegetables and fruits on the liver is produced by the interaction of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients among them. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, potatoes, and citrus fruits have the strongest preventive effect. Dr. Dong Jing suggests that one should eat five or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily, including a glass of juice in the morning, a piece of fruit in the morning and afternoon, and two or more servings of vegetables with meals. This daily total intake of approximately 400-800 grams can reduce your risk of liver cancer by 20%.
2. Drink Tieguanyin Tea
People in southern Fujian love drinking tea. Dr. Dong says this is very beneficial for preventing liver cancer, with Tieguanyin, commonly found in southern Fujian, being the best choice. Pre-Qingming Longjing tea is also a good option.
3. Eat Dairy Products
Medical research has shown that, while controlling alcohol consumption, consuming dairy products daily, including milk and yogurt, can reduce the risk of liver cancer by 78%. Children have already developed the habit of eating dairy products, but many adults do not, so it would be wise to change this.
4. Eat More "Three Shoots"
The "Three Shoots" are bamboo shoots, lettuce, and asparagus. Experts suggest eating more of these three foods daily can reduce the incidence of liver cancer, and they are also delicious.
II. "Four Don't Eats" for Preventing Liver Cancer
1. Don't Eat Moldy Food
In spring, food is prone to mold. Aflatoxin in moldy food is a carcinogen that can cause liver cancer in as little as 24 weeks. Therefore, food should be stored properly and discarded immediately if it shows signs of mold, especially soybeans, peanuts, sweet potatoes, and sugarcane, which must not be eaten. In addition, peanut oil should not be stored for long periods; if it develops a stale taste, it should not be consumed. Otherwise, it will not only taste bad but, more importantly, can lead to cancer.
2. Don't Eat or Eat Less Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables like sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, and salted fish are appetizing. As the weather gets hot and appetite decreases, many people prefer to eat pickled vegetables with their meals. However, pickled vegetables contain a significant amount of nitrosamines, which have been experimentally linked to liver cancer. It is best to avoid them or eat them in moderation. Also, remember they must be fully pickled before consumption.
3. Don't Drink or Drink Less Alcohol
Long-term alcohol consumption can erode the gastric mucosa. Once the stomach's cells are damaged, toxic substances in food are easily absorbed by the stomach, which can easily lead to alcoholic hepatitis, impair the liver's detoxification function, and even cause alcoholic cirrhosis—a risk factor for liver cancer. If you eat moldy peanuts with alcohol, the possibility of inducing liver cancer is even greater. Dr. Dong recommends that adult men should not drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day, and women no more than 1 glass.
4. Don't Eat Rancid Animal or Vegetable Fats
Stale oils and fats contain a chemical called malondialdehyde. This substance can form polymers and react with proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the human body, altering the structure of proteins. This causes cells with altered proteins to lose their normal function and transform into early-stage cancer cells.