Wheat is my comfort food -- I love bread, pasta, bagels and pretty much anything along those lines. But according to this post on That's Fit, titled Reasons to Avoid Wheat, I've learned a lot about my comfort food that I didn't want to know. Ignorance is bliss.

Here's the thing that caught my eye: According to this study, If you have an intolerance to wheat, it can increase your chances of dying from cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It doesn't say why, but it's good to know nonetheless. The study seems to be confined to those with celiac disease, and celiac disease, as far as I know, is not a condition that often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms can be rather severe and include weight-loss, bowel disorders and diarrhea.

What's your take on wheat?

If you eat a lot of things with a high glycemic load, which is a measurement of how quickly food raises your blood sugar, you may have problems not only related to diabetes or being over weight, but you could run a higher risk of colorectal cancer. A Harvard Medical School study involving 38,000 women saw an increased risk of colon cancer related to the white foods like pasta, white rice, white bread, potatoes, and pastries. The lower glycemic load foods like whole wheat bread or multi grain breads and brown rice comes with fiber. Another Harvard study showed an increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer in women who are overweight and sedentary.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, says conventional wisdom. But if it is broken, then by all means -- fix it.

Many of us have broken pantries. Pantries full of chips, cookies, candies, oils, sugars, and well, let's just name it: junk. Our pantries are broken because they don't work in a world where health and wellness and prevention should be on everyone's menu. They are ineffective, insufficient, and downright bad for us.

My pantry has been in disrepair for a long time. Now, however, thanks to a build-your-pantry cheat sheet I brought home from Canyon Ranch, it's on the mend. Yours can be too. Just borrow from this abbreviated list next time you're in the grocery store and in no time, your pantry will be lookin' good. So will you.

Couscous is that little pasta pellet that many people mistake for rice. It consists of grains made from semolina that are about 1 mm or 1/16th inch in diameter after cooking. It is quick and easy to prepare and can be eaten cold, warm, or hot. A multi grains diet aids in the prevention of colon cancer. Here is one of my favorite healthy ways to eat this little treasure. The added ingredients are known in the food world to aid in the prevention of cancer. Studies show falcarinol in carrots reduce cancer. Some studies show that basil is a cancer preventative herb. Green peas provide nutrients, including vitamin C, which are instrumental in helping to prevent the development of cancer. Lemon also adds to the vitamin C in this recipe. A high intake of vitamin C has been shown to reduce the risks for virtually all forms of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers as well as sex hormone-related cancers like breast, prostate, cervix, and ovarian cancers.

Vicki's Lemon Couscous
1 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons of lemon zest
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups couscous
1 cup sweet peas
1 cup minced carrots
1/4 cup fresh minced basil
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons minced garlic

In a 1-quart saucepan, bring water, lemon juice, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons oil and garlic to a boil. Add carrots, peas, capers and couscous and stir. Cover and remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Remove couscous into a large bowl by using a fork to fluff and separate the pieces. Add the minced basil and stir. You can eat this while it is hot as a great side dish or cold as a salad. Salt and pepper to taste.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, a significant link between a diet high in bread and kidney cancer has been found. A diet high in pasta and rice might also contribute to an increase in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) a common form of kidney cancer.

2301 Italians particpated in the study conducted by researchers from the Institute of Pharmacological Research Mario Negri in Milan.

Researchers found that diets high in bread, pasta and rice, which cause a rise in insulin-like growth factors might play a role in the increase in cancer. Diets high in poultry, processed meat, and all vegetables, both raw and cooked appear to decrease the risk.

For more information on the glycemic diet and the glycemic index, visit Fifty 50.