Not-so-secret weapons
Last month I wrote to you about how quitting smoking -- not quitting vitamin E -- is your best defense against lung cancer (6/11/08 eTip, subject line "Elephant in the room"). But that's easier said than done: You already know you SHOULD quit, but finding the strength and willpower to get through those cravings once and for all is tough even for people that seem to have nerves of steel in other situations. In last month's eTip, I urged you to find a support network of friends and relatives who can help you get through those rough spots -- and hold you accountable for your decision to quit. But there's even more you can do, not only to get through the cravings, but also to protect yourself even further from lung cancer. A new study conducted at UCLA found that smokers who eat three servings of fruits and vegetables per day and drink tea (green or black) have less risk of developing the potentially deadly disease than those who ate less produce and didn't drink tea. The researchers credited three particular flavonoids -- catechin, kaempferol, and quercitin -- with the biggest protective benefits. Catechin is found in strawberries and green and black tea; kaempferol is found in Brussels sprouts and apples; and quercitin is found in beans, onions, and also in apples. Of course, this study looked only at current smokers, but imagine the added protection you'll be getting if you incorporate these foods into your diet while you're quitting (and afterwards). Think of it as a handy list of snacks to choose from any time you have the urge to light up. And besides offering you added protection against lung cancer, these foods also come with another bonus -- they aren't ones associated with weight gain, which is the No.1 fear many smokers cite about quitting. Source:
"Fruits, vegetables, and teas may protect smokers from lung cancer, researchers report," Science Daily (www.sciencedaily.com), 5/29/08 | 
