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Sharna Lewis
Oct 244 min read

A Healthy Diet During A Cancer Diagnosis

Without a cancer diagnosis, maintaining a healthy diet can reduce your risk of many different cancers. With a cancer diagnosis and during treatment, your immune system is much weaker; meaning a healthy diet is incredibly important for you too. Here are our top tips for maintaining a healthy diet!



fruit bowl with grapes apples and oranges nuts berries pomegranate


Anti-Inflammatory Fruits


While fruits not only contain a lot of natural sugar, they also provide our bodies with a lot of incredible benefits that reduce our risk of cancer and strengthen our immune systems! What do we recommend...?


Cherries

Some research has found that cherries reduce soreness after exercise, inflammation, and the risk of gout attacks. A lot of research has also shown that cherries may improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure. If these are too high, it can lead to further health issues, so this is a great addition to your diet!



Berries

Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are packed full of anti-toxins. They are known to contain phytochemicals, which are great for strengthening the immune system and slowing down cancer cell growth.



Citrus

Just like berries, citrus fruits also contain anti-inflammatory phytochemicals - such as flavonoids and carotenoids! Consuming these fruits have been known to improve your heart health by regulating cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood vessel function.



Apples

Apples are believed to lower the risk of death from heart disease, as well as lower the incidence of asthma. The components of apples have been linked to anti-inflammatory effects, and a beneficial increase of microbes in the gut. Keep the doctors away!



Grapes

Grapes are high in fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K. Red grapes in particular also contain a high amount of phytochemicals. Studies have shown that they have been linked to the improvement of heart health and lower inflammation.



Pomegranate

Pomegranate seeds may just be the biggest benefit to this fruit! They contain phytochemicals, potassium, fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K. It is suggested that this improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. Other studies have suggested that pomegranates contain antioxidants that may help to protect your brain against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, due to the fact that they reduce oxidative damage and increase the survival of brain cells!



Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer


bowel of salmon fatty fish

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. One of the many ways you can reduce your risk, however, is through a more carefully selected diet. Here are the key foods we suggest adding to your plate!



Onions

Onions are believed to contain many substances reported to have anti-breast cancer effects, such as inducing apoptosis of breast cancer cells. They contain quercetin, fistein and vitamin C.



Garlic

Garlic is suggested to contain components that increase the rate of cancer cell death, as well as reduce the ability of cancer cells to promote the growth of new blood vessels.



Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale are among the cruciferous veggies packed full of sulphur compounds! These compounds may have cancer-fighting properties that can reduce the risk of breast cancer occurrence.



Fatty Fish

Eating fatty fish three times a week is far more effective than taking a supplement, according to most experts. These include : salmon, trout and tuna. As well as the omega-3 fatty acids in fish linking to the decreased risk of breast cancer, fatty fish is also a great source of magnesium, and a high intake is suggested to reduce the risk of heart disease!




High Magnesium Foods


Magnesium is an essential mineral that keeps your body in good health. It plays a part in building protein, levelling blood pressure, and improving muscle and nerve function. Magnesium is found in many nutrient-dense foods, and we're here to tell you what they are!



Avocados

Not only do avocados contain healthy fats that are beneficial for heart and brain health, they also contain 58mg of magnesium. This is about 14% of what the average person needs a day!



Bananas

A great source of several nutrients, one large banana contains 9% of the daily value (DV) for magnesium! They also contain high levels of potassium; which is great for regulating muscle contractions and water retention.



Leafy Greens

Adding leafy greens to your plate is incredibly good for your diet! For example, one serving of cooked spinach is said to contain 37% of the DV! As well as this, they also help to protect cells from damage, which consequently reduces your risk of cancer developing.



Tofu

As well as protein and other useful nutrients, tofu is high in magnesium - accounting for 8% of the DV. Some studies even suggest that eating soy products like tofu can protect the cells lining your arteries.



Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants! It provides a high amount of magnesium, as well as improving your gut and heart health. Will you be adding this to your diet?







Cited Sources:

Bralet, Kellie, "Phytochemicals and cancer: What you should know", MD Anderson Cancer Center

"Eat these fruits for their anti-inflammatory benefits", Harvard Health Publishing,

Goldman, Rena, "10 Foods High In Magnesium", Medical News Today, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318595#whole-wheat [Accessed 23October 2024]

Panoff, Lauren, "What are the Health and Nutritional Benefits of Pomegranate?", Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate#2-Rich-in-antioxidants [Accessed 23 October 2024]

Scott, Julie, "Does Garlic Reduce Your Risk of Cancer?", VeryWell Health,

"5 Health Benefits of Bananas", Cleveland Clinic,

"6 Asthma-Friendly Foods To Add To Your Trolley", Act Don't React,


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