Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and a heart-wrenching 100 000 South Africans are diagnosed with cancer every year. Common risk factors for cancer include poor lifestyle choices, a lack of exercise, smoking and incorrect diet and nutrition. This is where B-well, in partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), steps in to make a difference with their new cookbook, The Smart Choice Cookbook with CANSA and B-well.

Their book features a collection of recipes that have been developed by CANSA’s consulting dietitian Megan Pentz-Kluyts to focus on healthy cooking methods and ingredients that can positively influence cancer risk reduction. It has you covered for brekkie, lunch, dinner and will have all your snack and treat cravings taken care of. There are also vegan/vegetarian options included in each section.

All the recipes are exciting and packed with flavour, and they explore some of our favourite food trends as well. We can’t wait to start the day with their Power Green Smooth Bowl, or build our Salad In A Jar for lunch. You can also enjoy Curried Fish With Apricots for dinner and indulge in a Banana And Cranberry Oat Cookie if you feel like something sweet.

And this is just the tip of the delicious iceberg with plenty of recipes to choose from as well as basics that will encourage all of us to work with fresh ingredients and try new combinations more at home.

And the best part? It’s accessibility! The book will be available to download for free on both CANSA and B-well’s websites. If you’re ready to tuck in, download your copy now:
– bwellfoods.co.za
– cansa.org.za

The post B-well’s new cookbook can you reduce your cancer risk appeared first on MyKitchen.

It’s the month of Movember, and despite some of our countrymen’s ridiculous attempts at growing a moustache, the cause behind this hairy communal effort, is one of great importance. We look into the specifics of prostate cancer and explore how a balanced diet might be the most effective way to promote men’s health.

Facts and stats

According to cansa.org.za, the lifetime risk for prostate cancer for men in South Africa is 1 in 27. The biggest risk factors that contribute to contracting the potentially life-threatening disease are age, family history, genetics, diet and lifestyle.

Prostate cancer is an age-dependant disease. The risk of getting cancer dramatically increases from the age of 75, and then again, at the age of 85. If a male relative is diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s a good idea for the rest of the men in the family to have themselves checked out. Even though we may not be able to control or improve our genetic predispositions, there are numerous controllable risk factors that could save your or your loved one’s life. A diet free from processed meats and excessively fatty foods, being active and minimal alcohol consumption, are all beneficial to reducing risk. Lastly, quit smoking! Cigarettes not only increase one’s chances of getting cancer, they also lead to cardiovascular issues, premature aging and decreased immune function.

Eating for health

A wholesome, nourishing diet is one of the most important factors to maintaining a healthy and happy body, and mind. Here are our top tips for a cancer-fighting, balanced diet:

1. Eat enough, but not too much. Consuming too many extra calories could potentially lead to cancer growth. Eat until you feel full and wait until hunger strikes before indulging in your next meal.
2. Consuming a variety of food means ingesting a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that will boost your immune system. Don’t neglect any part of the food pyramid. Make sure you eat grains, nuts, seeds and healthy oils.
4. Try to avoid processed meats and foods. These are dangerously high in saturated fats. Stay away from deli meats, too much cheese and deep-fried foods.
5. Up your intake of fruits and veggies. We also recommend eating a handful of berries a day, they are incredibly rich in healthy antioxidants. The lycopene found in tomatoes are also known to promote prostate health.
6. It’s wise to limit alcohol, sugar and salt. Excessive consumption of boozy, salty or sugary treats can put extra pressure on the regulation processes of the body.

Get involved

Feeling inspired to spread the word and show support to those being affected by the cancer? Head to the official page for Movember in South Africa.

The post Movember: How healthy eating can help prevent prostate cancer appeared first on MyKitchen.