January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

The big C is one of the worst things anyone can hear. To know that you, your loved one or even someone you have never met but are told that they have cancer is awful. January helps bring awareness to cervical cancer. As this blog is a place where I share news as well as many helpful tricks for home and always lots of recipes I thought it would be a great time to look at what food may help protect one from cervical cancer.

Fruits and vegetables can help protect one from developing cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with HPV a.k.a the Human Papillomavirus. Diets high in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate can help the body fight HPV infection and prevent the infection from turning cells of the cervix into cancerous lesions. All of the powerful fighters are found in fruits and veggies. Research has shown ladies who participate in a diet rich in fruit and veggies have blood tests showed high levels of certain chemical compounds. These ladies were able to fight the HPV infection faster than those who do not eat a diet rich in fruits and veggies. 

Flavonoids are chemical compounds found in fruits and veggies. They are thought to be leading source protection against cancer. Some of my personal favorites that have flavonoids are:

Apples

Asparagus

Black beans

Broccoli

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cranberries

Garlic

Lettuce

Lima beans

Onions

Soy

Spinach

I recently shared a post about folate and folic acid, how our body uses and needs it and a great recipe that is a great resource for folic acid.

In addition to a good diet a healthy lifestyle can help reduce cancer risk as well. An annual pap smears can help to screen for early cell changes. The earlier found the better as treatment if needed can start at once. There is a vaccination against HPV check into it. Smoking is never good for the health so stop if you can and never start if you have not. The risk for HPV increases with more than one sex partner being monogamous can help you protect your self. 

Follow a healthy diet + a healthy lifestyle  can help prevent against cervical cancer.