5 Foods to Keep Your Colon Healthy
According the the American Cancer Association (2019), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. As of 2019, there are an estimated 101,420 new colon cancer cases and 44,180 new rectal cancer cases.
And what is a determining factor? Diet. It’s what we are eating and our body’s ability to eliminate waste effectively. Many of the foods we eat contain toxic chemicals that the body cannot process accordingly as well as foods that weaken the digestive tract.
What can you do to help improve your colon health and allow your body to detox effectively?
Include foods such as:
-Sunchokes: also known as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes are high in inulin, which is a type of fiber (prebiotic) that helps feed the good bacteria in the gut. A good balance in bacteria is necessary to help prevent constipation and/or diarrhea. Artichokes are easy to prepare as you can sauté with other veggies, cook and purée into a soup, or roast with olive oil.
-Raspberries: raspberries are also high in fiber content and contain polyphenols (antioxidants) that help protect against cancer. A great way to include raspberries in your diet is in smoothies or in salads.
-Onions: is another inulin containing vegetable that can help reduce the risk of cancer due to its sulfur-containing compounds which help fight off pathogens in the digestive tract. Other compounds found in onions, fisetin and quercetin, are powerful antioxidants that help inhibit tumor growth. Adding onions to your diet is simple because it can be added when sautéing or fresh in salads.
-Cauliflower: cauliflower contains glucosinolates, which are found in cruciferous veggies, and are known to help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Not to mention that it is also high in fiber, which is necessary for effective elimination of toxins from the gut. A delicious way to eat cauliflower is riced and or roasted with olive oil.
-Papaya: this delicious fruit contains papain, which is a digestive enzyme that helps prevent indigestion and constipation. Papaya is high in antioxidants that help ward of gut inflammation and relief of other gastrointestinal conditions. Papaya is a great addition to yogurt.