In order to prevent colorectal cancer, controlling your diet is very important — especially the first meal of the day: breakfast. So, doctor recommends four foods to eat on an empty stomach in the morning if you want to boost digestive health, cleanse your intestines, and prevent colorectal c.an.cer:
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is especially high in fiber; about 100 grams of oatmeal contains 5.3 grams of fiber. Fiber can promote bowel movements and accelerate intestinal transit. Therefore, eating oatmeal properly can help in preventing constipation and colorectal can:ce:r.
Yet, Dr. Xu notes that oatmeal is a whole grain that requires more time to digest and absorb in the intestines. Therefore, you are advisable not to eat too much at once, especially if you have digestive disorders.
2. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes contain many beneficial nutrients such as fiber, starch, vitamin A, carotene, selenium, iron, potassium, and copper. These nutrients play a significant part in improving constipation.
However, because sweet potatoes are rich in starch, you need to reduce other starchy foods when eating them, especially diabetic patients, who should limit intake to avoid increasing blood sugar levels.
3. Lotus Root
Lotus root contains much fiber (1.2 grams per 100 grams) and protein. These nutrients can bind with cholate, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the body to reduce lipid absorption. Still, lotus root also has a relatively high starch content, so you shouldn’t consume excessive starch, and when eating it for breakfast, eat slowly and chew more thoroughly than usual.
4. Corn
Corn is also high in fiber, with 2.9 grams per 100 grams. In addition, corn is high in magnesium, which can speed up the intestinal wall’s motility and promote the body’s waste elimination. Therefore, it helps prevent colorectal ca:n:cer.
Nevertheless, Dr. Xu warns that corn is easily moldy, so you should only buy as much as you can consume. If corn becomes moldy, discard it immediately, as moldy food can produce carcinogenic aflatoxins, which increase the risk of liver cancer and other diseases after consumption.
