A growing body of data suggests that specific eating practices can increase or decrease cancer risk. Furthermore, diet is considered to have an essential role in the treatment and management of cancer.
The foods we consume can influence our chances of acquiring certain cancers. High-fat, high-energy diets can contribute to obesity and are considered to raise the risk of various malignancies.
Although cancer prevention is still being investigated, we do know that lifestyle choices influence the likelihood of acquiring cancer. According to research, lifestyle factors such as nutrition may account for up to one-third of all cancer fatalities. According to research released in June 2019 by the American Institute for Cancer Research, “we calculated that diet-related variables may account for 80,110 of the new invasive cancer cases recorded in 2015, or 5.2 percent of that year’s total among U.S. adults.”
It is believed that lifestyle and dietary changes alone can prevent 30-40% of all malignancies. Obesity, nutrient-depleted diets such as concentrated sweets and refined wheat products that contribute to impaired glucose metabolism (which leads to diabetes), poor dietary fiber, red meat consumption, and an imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats all contribute to an increased risk of cancer.
Types of foods and how they are linked with cancer?
Meat and bowel cancer
There is solid scientific evidence that consuming processed beef raises the risk of colon cancer. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) recently advised consumers to avoid eating processed beef. Processed meats are any meat that has been preserved by curing, salting, smoking, or the use of chemical preservatives. Hot dogs, ham, bacon, and certain sausages and burgers are among them. There is compelling evidence that eating red meat increases one’s chance of developing bowel cancer. Individuals, particularly males, are advised to limit their consumption of red meat.
Fruits, Vegetables and cancer
Fruits and vegetables have long been known to provide several health advantages. Fruits and vegetables include several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer in certain parts of the digestive system, such as the mouth and stomach.
Observational studies have linked increased vegetable consumption to a decreased risk of cancer
Many veggies include antioxidants and phytochemicals that help prevent cancer. Sulforaphane, a chemical found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, has been proven to reduce tumor growth in rats by more than 50%. Tomatoes and carrots, for example, have been associated with a lower incidence of prostate, stomach, and lung cancer.
There is no particular meal that can protect against cancer. A diet rich in various whole foods, such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, spices, healthy fats, fresh seafood, and high-quality dairy, may lower cancer risk.
A diet of plant-based foods has been linked to a lower risk of cancer.
According to research, those who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet have a lower chance of getting or dying from cancer. Indeed, a comprehensive analysis of 96 research studies showed that vegetarians and vegans may have an 8% and 15% reduced risk of cancer, respectively.
Vegetarians and vegans may have a lower risk of cancer if they follow a plant-based diet. This is most likely due to the high consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, and a limited intake of processed meals.
Fish
There is evidence that eating fresh fish can help prevent cancer, most likely because it contains good fats that reduce inflammation. A meta-analysis of 41 studies revealed that eating fish daily reduced the risk of colorectal cancer by 12%.
Although no diet has been shown to cure cancer, adequate nutrition is essential to supplement standard cancer therapies, help in recovery, reduce unpleasant symptoms, and enhance the quality of life.
Most cancer patients are advised to follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as limiting sugar, caffeine, salt, processed foods, and alcohol.
Sugar, Refined Carbs, and cancer
Processed foods rich in sugar and poor in fiber and minerals have been linked to an increased risk of cancer
A diet that causes blood glucose levels to surge has been linked to an elevated risk of various cancers, including stomach, breast, and colorectal cancers, according to experts
One research of almost 47,000 people discovered that those who ate a high-refined-carbohydrate diet were nearly twice as likely to die from colon cancer as those who ate a low-refined-carbohydrate diet.
Conclusion:
Yes, there is a link between your eating habits and cancer. Some foods help fight cancer and some increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
A diet rich in complete foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein may help to avoid cancer.
Processed meats, refined carbohydrates, salt, and alcohol, on the other hand, may raise your risk.
