American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) - and Avocados

[Guest guest]

Jeff,

I went to the AICR website, and I have to agree with you that their public statements don't align completely with their research results. If this is because they are shy about bucking convention then I am more eager to help them if I can help them shed some of that shyness.

Thanks for looking them up and for your comments, which I always find to be thoughtful, kind and helpful.

 

Living out here on the frontiers of the South King County suburbs I sometimes feel far removed from any mass consciousness change toward better eating and living habits. Yes there are gradual increases in the size of the grocery store produce departments and increasing business at the health food store. Last night on my way home from the Bike Swap meet at the Seattle Center I stopped at Whole Foods to get some things I needed. When I arrived in pouring rain, the inside of the store was a packet, yet pleasant, pandemonium. Even though there were alot of people, they seemed to be more pleasant than the Sunday night crowd at the big grocery stores out my way.

 

Well, I suppose I should talk about food directly. Avocados are horribly expensive right now, (I assume because they are not in season). Can anyone recommend a good substitute or the best way to get through the winter without them.

 

Nick Hein

Renton, WA

 

 

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Jeff Rogers

RawSeattle

Saturday, February 15, 2003 3:44 PM

Re: [RawSeattle] American Cancer Research Institute (ACRI)

I've been impressed with ACRI, in that they stress reduced consumption of animal products. Other cancer organizations don't even mention it and even serve animal and high fat (cooked) foods at their events! Below are two versions of ACRI nutritional recommendations. One is the current one and one I copied in April 2001. They do not come out and specify "do not eat animal products," but do push in that direction. They seem to be "catering" a bit to the masses that still believe in eating such foods. If they came out and said eat NONE of that "food," then they would likely be cutting off their own feet and would lose a great deal of revenues. This way they help people decrease animal consumption, while focusing on adding/replacing better foods. Notice the language they use. I prefer their older version! They seemed to have caved in a bit.Jeffhttp://www.aicr.org/index.lassoNew Version1. Choose predominantly plant-based diets rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits.2. If eaten at all, limit intake of red meat to less than three ounces daily.3. Limit consumption of fatty foods, particularly those of animal origin. Choose modest amounts of appropriate vegetable oils.4. Limit consumption of salted foods and use of cooking and table salt. Use herbs and spices to season foods.5. Limit alcoholic drinks to less than two drinks a day for men and one for women.6. Do not eat charred food. Consume the following only occasionally: meat and fish grilled in direct flame, cured and smoked meats.7. Avoid being overweight and limit weight gain during adulthood. Take an hour's brisk walk or similar exercise daily.Old VersionDietary GuidelinesCancer PreventionThe following is the "Advice to Individuals" presented in the report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective. Based on an analysis of more than 4,500 research studies, these guidelines present the best currently available advice on actions to take for lower cancer risk. Recommendation 1 Choose predominantly plant-based diets rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits, pulses (legumes) and minimally processed starchy staple foods. Recommendation 2 Avoid being underweight or overweight and limit weight gain during adulthood to less than 5kg (11 pounds). Recommendation 3 If occupational activity is low or moderate, take an hour's brisk walk or similar exercise daily, and also exercise vigorously for a total of at least one hour in a week. Recommendation 4 Eat 400-800 grams (15-30 ounces) or five or more portions (servings) a day of a variety of vegetables and fruits, all year round.Recommendation 5 Eat 600-800 grams (20-30 ounces) or more than seven portions (servings) a day of a variety of cereals (grains), pulses (legumes), roots, tubers and plantains. Prefer minimally processed foods. Limit consumption of refined sugar. Recommendation 6 Alcohol consumption is not recommended. If consumed, limit alcoholic drinks to less than two drinks a day for men and one for women.Recommendation 7 If eaten at all, limit intake of red meat to less than 80 grams (3 ounces) daily. It is preferable to choose fish, poultry and meat from non-domesticated animals in place of red meat.Recommendation 8 Limit consumption of fatty foods, particularly those of animal origin. Choose modest amounts of appropriate vegetable oils.Recommendation 9 Limit consumption of salted foods and use of cooking and table salt. Use herbs and spices to season foods.Recommendation 10 Do no eat food which, as a result of prolonged storage at ambient temperatures, is liable to contamination with mycotoxins. Recommendation 11 Use refrigeration and other appropriate methods to preserve perishable foods as purchased and at home.Recommendation 12 When levels of additives, contaminants and other residues are properly regulated, their presence in food and drink is not known to be harmful. However, unregulated or improper use can be a health hazard, and this applies particularly in economically developing countriesRecommendation 13 Do not eat charred food. For meat and fish eaters, avoid burning of meat juices. Consume the following only occasionally: meat and fish grilled (broiled) in direct flame; cured and smoked meats.Recommendation 14 For those who follow the recommendations presented here, dietary supplements are probably unnecessary, and possibly unhelpful, for reducing cancer risk. Tobacco Do not smoke or chew tobacco.