Plant based diet is crucial in fighting and elimination of cancer, suggest Doctors at Fortis Ludhiana 

Plant based diet is crucial in fighting and elimination of cancer, suggest Doctors at Fortis Ludhiana  

Experts at Fortis Hospital Ludhiana talk about dietary choices that help boost immunity and have anti-cancer properties   

Ludhiana, February 2024: Dietary choices play a crucial role in cancer prevention. For more than two decades, research has consistently shown that adopting a diet rich in plant-derived foods can significantly reduce the risk of various cancers. According to a study conducted by MD Anderson Cancer Centre Adopting a diet rich in plant-derived foods contributes to the reinforcement of the immune system. These foods encompass essential nutrients absent in other dietary sources. Plants offer lots of vitamins, minerals, and other natural compounds that help build strong cells and keep the body balanced. This, in turn, boosts the immune system.  

Dr. Davinder Paul, Senior Consultant - Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana, said, “Having a strong immune system is important for preventing cancer because it can detect and fight abnormal cells before they turn cancerous. A diet full of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, known as a plant-based diet, can be like a shield against cancer. These foods have lots of important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help in the fight against cancer.  

Many studies have found that eating plant-based foods can help prevent different types of cancer. For instance, one study in the ‘Journal of the American College of Nutrition’ showed that diets with lots of cruciferous veggies, like broccoli and kale, were connected to a lower chance of getting breast and prostate cancer. Another study in the ‘International Journal of Cancer’ found that eating more fruits and veggies was linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. 

Let's evaluate the pointers that highlight these dietary components' powerful anti-cancer effects. 

• Nuts: Nuts are like small powerhouses that can help lower the chances of getting certain cancers, according to studies. For example, one study in the ‘British Journal of Nutrition’ found that eating more nuts was linked to a lower risk of pancreatic cancer. Another study in the ‘International Journal of Cancer’ showed that people who regularly eat nuts had a lower risk of colon cancer. 
• Beans: Beans, like black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are not only a part of traditional diets but also packed with good nutrients. They are low in fat, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and provide a lot of plant-based protein. 

 Broccoli: Sulforaphane, a plant chemical present in cruciferous vegetables possessing strong anti-cancer capabilities, is found in broccoli. Sulforaphane exhibited a 75% reduction in both the size and quantity of breast cancer cells in a test-tube investigation.  

• Berries: Plant pigments called anthocyanins, which possess antioxidant qualities and could potentially lower the risk of cancer, are abundant in berries. In one clinical trial, bilberry extract was administered for seven days to 25 patients with colon cancer. It was discovered that this treatment slowed the growth of cancer cells by 7%. 
• Carrots: Eating more carrots has been associated with lowering the risk of developing some types of cancer, according to several studies. For instance, a review of five research' findings came to the conclusion that consuming carrots may cut the risk of stomach cancer by up to 26%.