How to Prolong Life after Cancer

Based on new recommendations from the American Cancer Society, by living a healthy lifestyle, individuals who have overcome cancer can extend their lives—especially those with breast, colorectal or prostate cancer. Colleen Doyle, the Cancer Society’s director of nutrition and physical activity, provides the keys to prolonging life after cancer:

1.     Eat right

a.       Lots of fruits

b.      Lots of vegetables

c.       Mainly whole grains

d.      Lean protein

2.     Exercise

a.       Walking or other aerobic activity most days of the week

3.     Maintain normal weight

a.       Within normal range



Photo Credit: Art Fitness Training

Cancer Survivors might face other conditions

Individuals with cancer have a greater chance of developing other cancers, and could possibly be more likely to develop chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, said Nagi Kumar, Director of Cancer Chemoprevention at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla.

“Many survivors are not going to die of cancer anymore,” Kumar said. “They are going to have problems with obesity, metabolic syndrome and other diseases that are very common in the U.S. anyway, and this is a little bit more vulnerable group.”

“It’s really important to be obsessive about what they do for themselves,” Nagi said. “Give it your all: do yoga, get more flexible, eat right. Become very obsessive about what you’re putting in your body.”

Be sure to check out our blog on Wednesdays to get new ideas for how to eat right and stay healthy. This week's Health Tip was on the benefits of black beans and included a recipe for a spicy black bean burrito. To read it, click here.  

Resources

Go to Health Day: For more information about this article by Jenifer Goodwin

The U.S. National Cancer Institute: For more ways to live a healthy lifestyle that can help prevent cancer

Benefits of Black Beans + Spicy Black Bean Burrito Recipe

Recent News about Black Beans

Black beans, also known as turtle beans, are legumes that are not only rich in flavor, but also in protein and fiber. Health benefits according the World’s Healthiest Food website include: 

Photo Credit: Weelicious

•  Digestive track support
• Blood sugar regulation benefits
•  Heart health promotion
• Better regulation of blood sugar
• Antioxidant protection
• Anti-inflammatory benefits 

Research shows a correlation between bean consumption and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, various cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer.

Recommendation

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating 3 cups of legumes per week or ½ cup serving six days per week.

Want to get your first serving today? Try this recipe:

Spicy Black Bean Burrito

Photo Credit: The World's Healthiest Foods

You don’t have to go to Chipotle to enjoy a delicious burrito. You can easily make one at home following this 15 minute, extremely delicious recipe (below)!

Ingredients:

            1/2 red onion, diced

            2 cloves garlic, chopped

            1 red bell pepper, diced

            2 cups or 1 15 oz can (BPA-free) black beans

            2 TBS extra virgin olive oil

            2 tsp chili powder

            1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

            salt and pepper to taste

            2 whole wheat tortillas

            2 oz low-fat cheese

            1 cup prepared salsa

            goat cheese (optional)

Directions:

• Dice onions and chop garlic and let sit for at least 5 minutes to bring out their hidden health benefits
• Dice bell peppers
• Healthy Sauté onions and bell peppers for 5 minutes
• Add garlic, black beans, olive oil, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste
• Wrap 1/2 of mixture and 1 oz of low-fat cheese into each of the two tortillas
• Top with salsa, and goat cheese (if desired).

ENJOY!

Resources:

The World’s Healthiest Foods website has more info about the nutritional profile of black beans, healthy recipes and the latest news about black beans.