Essential Food Minerals For a Cancer Diet

Minerals in the food we eat are now getting a lot of attention, as they relate to diets that can improve one's chances of avoiding the risk of cancer. When we talk about minerals that should be present in a cancer diet, there are two types that usually come to mind - the macrominerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, and the microminerals such as copper, germanium, sulfur, manganese, zinc and iron.

If we fill our daily diets with fruits and vegetables, it is easy enough to get most of the minerals that our bodies need. However, with the way some of today's produce are grown, we may not be getting the amount of minerals that can best sustain our body's requirements. It is far better to buy fruits and vegetables that are organically grown, rather than those that had been treated with commercial fertilizers which can deplete the natural minerals found in them. Organic farming does not use chemical fertilizers, and often use rock minerals on soils which can add to the normal mineral content of fruits and vegetables.

For cancer patients, or those who are facing a higher risk of cancer, the micromineral germanium has been found to improve the body's immune system and to stop further growth of cancer cells. Some foods that are rich in germanium are tomatoes, broccoli, celery, onions, rhubarb, and garlic.

Another mineral that is essential in preventing cancer is iodine. Iodine deficiency can be avoided by using seasalt for cooking, which contains more iodine than the commonly used table salt. Iodine can also be found in asparagus, soybeans, lima beans, garlic, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage.

Selenium is currently being heralded as an anti-cancer mineral, and works well when combined with Vitamin E. This mineral can improve functions of the pancreas and can prevent cancer tumors from forming or developing. Found mostly in grains such as nuts and beans, it is also present in most animal meat products.

When thinking of a cancer diet, include minerals that can effectively block the onset of cancer cells, and improve the body's immune system. Good sources of minerals that you may include are salmon, tuna, garlic, broccoli, kelp, chicken and products using whole grains.

Consult your dietician or your doctor who can prescribe a good combination of foods that will be perfect for a cancer diet. Remember though, that too much of anything can also result to other health risks, so make sure that you exercise variety in choosing foods that will help you fight cancer.