Health Matters: Nutritionist Talks Link Between Diet & Cancer
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 News
Updated: January 9, 2013
It's something you're taught very early on: eat your vegetables.
More doctors are finding a link between diet and the possible prevention of many cancers, and now a leading Little Rock nutritionist is saying eating vegetables could end up saving your life.
You don't want to find yourself caught with fast food in front of Dr. Reza Hakkak, professor and chair of nutrition at UAMS, who says our country is in desperate need of a makeover.
"Our population is 67 percent either overweight or obese," Dr. Hakkak says.
Dr. Hakkak says by carrying around those extra pounds, you put yourself at greater risk for getting as many as two-thirds of cancers.
"There is a link between overweight and obesity and cancer, not to mention diabetic and cardiovascular disease," he says. "They can be prevented, several cancers can be prevented by healthy diet and also physical activity."
And the prescription for reducing your risk of cancer is nothing new.
"Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, low fat, stop drinking alcohol," Dr. Hakkak says.
Limiting your salt and red meat consumption can also help.
"I think that's the biggest problem, specifically in the south with barbecue and fried food," he says.
It might be hard, but Dr. Hakkak says the benefits are life-changing.
Organic food has been getting a lot of attention recently, but the doctor says sticking with good old-fashioned fruits and vegetables is the most important part of staying healthy.
More doctors are finding a link between diet and the possible prevention of many cancers, and now a leading Little Rock nutritionist is saying eating vegetables could end up saving your life.
You don't want to find yourself caught with fast food in front of Dr. Reza Hakkak, professor and chair of nutrition at UAMS, who says our country is in desperate need of a makeover.
"Our population is 67 percent either overweight or obese," Dr. Hakkak says.
Dr. Hakkak says by carrying around those extra pounds, you put yourself at greater risk for getting as many as two-thirds of cancers.
"There is a link between overweight and obesity and cancer, not to mention diabetic and cardiovascular disease," he says. "They can be prevented, several cancers can be prevented by healthy diet and also physical activity."
And the prescription for reducing your risk of cancer is nothing new.
"Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, low fat, stop drinking alcohol," Dr. Hakkak says.
Limiting your salt and red meat consumption can also help.
"I think that's the biggest problem, specifically in the south with barbecue and fried food," he says.
It might be hard, but Dr. Hakkak says the benefits are life-changing.
Organic food has been getting a lot of attention recently, but the doctor says sticking with good old-fashioned fruits and vegetables is the most important part of staying healthy.
