Evidence for anti-cancer dietary interventions

Anti Cancer Diet

Research has indicated that almost 30 to 40% of all cancers could be prevented just by means of a healthy diet alone. [Donaldson S, 2004] From the vast majority of studies conducted on dietary cancer research, it is inferred that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, high levels of fiber, folic acid, carotenoids and other anti-oxidants has the best protective effect for cancer. Researchers have found that a high fiber diet helps to stabilize blood glucose levels. High fiber diet is also thought to have a protective effect especially in some forms of cancer. Slattery et al. (2002) found that a combination of whole grains, vegetables, and fruit diet was inversely associated with cancer while a diet rich in refined grains was positively associated with rectal cancer. [Slattery et al. (2002)]

Research points out that Sulforophane, a phytochemical found in some vegetables has good antioxidative properties and good chemopreventive potential. Sulforophane is naturally found in high quantities in broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables. High intakes of these vegetables are currently studied for their effective anti-cancer properties. [OSU] Studies have also shown that Omega 3 fatty acid, an important member of the unsaturated fatty acids, has an important role in the expression of the breast cancer suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. [Bernard et.al, (2002)] Flax seeds are an important natural source of omega 3 fatty acids. Another study by the Thomson research group revealed that feeding tumor affected mice with 10% flax seed diet resulted in a 45% reduction of cancer growth rate. [Chen J, et.al, (2002)] Some studies have also focused on the intake of vitamin C and its anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that ascorbate is toxic to cancer cells but its effect is realized only when vitamin C is administered intravenously. [Padayatty SJ, (2004)]

Recently studies have reported that low folic acid in diet may be a high risk factor in colon cancer. For this particular study, the researchers developed human colon cells in two different culture mediums one with folic acid and one without it. It was noticed that the folate-depleted culture medium resulted in cellular DNA damage, which is an important marker of cancer risk. This study clearly suggests that a diet rich in vegetables and fruits that have high concentrations of folate constitutes an effective anti-cancer effect. [ScienceDaily] Recently, studies have also confirmed the long known efficacy of Green tea, an important anti-cancer agent. The antioxidant and immunopotentiating properties of green tea are ascribed to epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin-3-gallate, the two important polyphenol components. EGCG induces apoptosis and promotes cell growth arrest by down regulating pro-inflammatory factor kappa B. And by promoting interleukin 23-based cellular repair mechanisms. [Butt Ms, 2009]

A diet rich in refined sugars, low fiber and red meat presents a high-risk formula for developing cancer. Research has concluded that a high calorie diet (over consumption) is also a predisposing factor for developing obesity, which has been directly linked in many forms of cancer. [Donaldson S, 2004] A diet rich in refined sugar creates a high glycemic load. The present culture of eating packaged and fast foods on a regular basis implies the consumption of high levels of refined sugar in our diet. This results in induced dysregulation of glucose metabolism, which is reported as a high risk factor for cancer. [Donaldson S, 2004] A recent European study by Dr. Par Stattin et.al (2007) has confirmed abnormal glucose metabolism as a high risk factor for cancer. Red meat is associated with cancer. Many recent studies such as Bingham SA (2002) and Norat T. et.al (2002) have attested this correlation between red meat consumption and cancer.