Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly diseases which destroyed lives of thousands of women every year. Often ovarian cancer called “silent killer” because it tends to be aggressive and generally shows few non-specific symptoms until it reaches the advanced deadly stages. This is why it is very important to pay special attention to prevention methodologies including ovarian cancer diet and lifestyle. Ovarian cancer diet is exceptionally useful in both preventing and curing “silent killer” – diet is extremely influential in preventing and healing ovarian cancer by destroying ovarian cancer cells and hindering proliferation. This is how ovarian cancer diet can increase survival rates dramatically. Scientists discovered a strong relationship between prolonged survival years and what women were eating 3-5 years before their diagnosis.
Sometimes just small changes in diet can have a solid impact on the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Diet rich in certain healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables could help prevent ovarian cancer and increase survival rates.
Lifestyle changes after having ovarian cancer are also very important. Even keeping stress level under control and/or avoiding stress could have positive effect at your survival rates.
Ovarian cancer and healthy eating habits
Ovarian cancer diet actually means eating foods which can fight cancer cells. Long-term benefits of healthy eating habits cannot be underestimated.
Ovarian cancer diet
Ovarian cancer diet – Vegetables
Vegetables contain a variety of very useful nutrients, including antioxidants that help reduce free radicals (potentially cancer causing cells). Most effective vegetables known as ovarian cancer fighter are cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, turnips and wasabi. These vegetables contain isothiocyanate which can stop ovarian cancer cells from thriving. Spinach, kale, mustard greens, tomatoes and carrots are also strongly recommended because they contain high levels of antioxidants.
Ovarian cancer diet – Ginger
According to scientists, ginger roots have exceptional ability to destroy and annihilate ovarian cancer cells. During laboratory experiments researchers dissolved ginger powder in a solution containing ovarian cancer cultures and could observe how cancerous mutant cells died. It was noted that ginger destroys ovarian cancer cells by apoptosis (the process of cellular self-destruction) and by apoptosis (so called “autophagy” – where cancerous cells digest themselves). Scientists noted that ginger can trigger the same rate of apoptosis as traditional chemotherapy drugs yet without any side effects.
Ginger roots are also effective in fighting inflammation which also can be a trigger for ovarian cancer development.
Ovarian cancer diet – Whole Grains
Whole grains are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Whole grains provide phytochemicals which are associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk. Most recommended whole grains are oats, barley, spelt, rye, brown rice and whole wheat.
Avoid enriched grains such as white flour, sugary cereals and desserts.
Ovarian cancer diet – Citrus fruits
Ovarian cancer risk drops if your diet enriched with citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits). These fruits contain flavonoids, natural compounds that help protect blood vessels from leakage, prevent cells from suffering oxidative stress and stave off inflammation in the body. Medical experts noted that absence of citrus fruits in the daily diet may contribute to a greater risk for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer diet – Tea – green and black
According to scientific study devoted to links between green tea consumption and ovarian cancer risks, women who drink at least 2 cups of green tea per day can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by half. In the group of women who drink only one cup of green tea per day, the risk of ovarian cancer was reduced by 24%. Scientists explain this phenomenon by high level of antioxidants (phytonutrients) found in green tea. Powerful phytonutrients help prevent and repair DNA damage as well as hinder the growth and spread of cancer cells by increasing apoptosis.
It was also noted that two cups of black tea per day can also decrease women risks for ovarian cancer development by 30-31%.
Ovarian cancer diet – Ginkgo biloba
Research has shown that the herb ginkgo biloba significantly lowers the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Women who took ginkgo supplements regularly had 60% decreased risk rate comparing with women who avoided this supplements.
Ovarian cancer diet – Flaxseed
Flaxseed lignans contain antioxidants and phytoestrogens – both are useful in fighting ovarian cancer. Some studies noted that women who had the highest intake of plant lignans had the lowest rates of ovarian cancer. Scientists explain it by phytoestrogens which have the ability to plug estrogen receptors, preventing hormones to trigger ovarian cancer development.
Laboratory experiments clearly demonstrated that flaxseed can also prevent ovarian cancer metastasis.
Ovarian cancer diet – Antioxidants
It is well known that antioxidants have pretty strong anticancer abilities. Concerning ovarian cancer prevention, it was noted that the most effective can be flavonoids. It was noted that women who ate the most foods containing two classes of flavonoids significantly reduced their risk of developing ovarian cancer. The effective flavonoids included flavanols (found in tea, red wine, apples and grapes) and flavanones (found in citrus fruit and juices).
Disputable – Ovarian cancer risky food
There are two types of “disputable” foods which can be recommended or avoided depending which researchers we believe. Disputes are on-going about soy and dairies.
Soy
Opinion 1 – diets rich in soy could reduce risks for ovarian cancer development; foods rich in soy include soy beans, soy milk, soy yogurt, tofu, soy burgers, soy-based protein powders and soy nuts. Soy foods contain protein, dietary fiber, vitamin B and omega-3 fatty acids.
Opinion 2 – diets rich in soy have been associated with increased risk for breast cancer and possibly for all hormone-sensitive types of cancer.
Opinion 3 – ovarian cancer is hormone-sensitive cancer and women with ovarian cancer should avoid highly concentrated soy foods (textured vegetable protein, supplements or soy protein isolates) and flaxseeds. These foods can have an estrogen-like effect at women body.
Dairy
Opinion 1 – lactose, the sugar in milk and dairy products, could increase risks of developing ovarian cancer;
Opinion 2 – dairy products increase women risks for ovarian cancer;
Opinion 3 – one study noted reduced rate of ovarian cancer in women who consumed low fat milk;
Opinion 4 – there is no link (positive or negative) between dairy intake and ovarian cancer.
