IS THERE AN ANTI-CANCER DIET?

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IS THERE AN ANTI-CANCER DIET?

Cancer experts say that eating wisely may not only help prevent breast cancer,

but can treat it more easily. Here are a few dietary guidelines you can follow.

Moderate intake of Soya based foods: Soya beans, tofu, nuggets and flour may be

cancer protective as they are a rich source of phytoestrogen, a natural plant

estrogen. The theory is that phytoestrogens hook onto estrogen receptors in the

cells, exactly like the drug Tamoxifen, and block the body’s estrogen from

entering without jeopardizing the cell. Soya also contains genistein, which may

slow down the multiplication of cancerous cells. However, don’t go

overboard on Soya and especially avoid Soya supplements, which can lead you to

take megadoses. There'’ possibility that if used excessively, Soya can

promote cancer rather than suppress it.

Reduce fats, especially during adolescence, to below 20%. The saturated fats

found in animal and dairy products curtail the body’s cancer fighting

immunity.

Stay away, from nitrate-cured, salt-cured, smoked and charred meats. And excess sugar.

Eat more oily fish. Ravas, tuna, mackerel, sardines contain omega 3 fatty acids

to help boost the immune systems ability to fight developing tumours.

The antioxidants, beta-carotene helps fight cancer by keeping tumour cells in

control and improving cell-to-cell communication in non-tumourous cells. Go for

green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apricots,

carrots, papaya, tomatoes, green peas, pears, sweetpotatoes, cabbage,

cauliflower, turnips and broccoli contain a compound which changes the way

estrogen is metabolized in the body and excretes carcinogens.

Insoluble fibre, flushes out estrogen, which otherwise move through the

intestine and is reabsorbed in the body. Eat more whole wheat bread, dried

beans, potatoes with skin, corn, and sprouts.

Vitamin-C, in the natural form is anti-cancerous and abundant in amla, guavas,

oranges, watermelon, lime, papaya, grapefruit. However mega doses of vitamin-C

pills can actually promote tumour growth.

Sprouted Beans, (whose moong, matki, channa, chhola, urad and chawli) are rich

in estrogen blocking phytoestrogens, protease inhibitors and phytates.

(Courtesy: The Health Nutrition, 17-04-2003)