Date:06/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/06/stories/2008120655800600.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Healthy diet can prevent cancer

Carotenoids, naturally occurring pigments abundant in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and tomatoes, reduce the risk of lung cancer

HYDERABAD: Nearly 30 per cent of deaths related to cancer can be prevented by maintaining a good diet. A slew of research papers have provided strong evidence that diet with high content of fruits and vegetables protect against cancers of mouth, stomach, breast, lungs and intestinal cancers.

These and many more evidence based facts about virtues of good diet and its role in preventing a host of cancers were given by Director of National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) B. Sesikeran in a presentation on ‘Cancer and Diet’ during 41st annual national conference of Indian Dietetic Association at NIN on Friday.

Risk of getting afflicted with stomach and gastrointestinal cancers can be averted by frequent intake of Allium vegetables (onion and garlic). Carotenoids, naturally occurring pigments abundant in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach and tomatoes, reduces the risk of lung cancer.

“These days, doctors give beta-carotene supplementary drugs to prevent lung cancer. But, studies have revealed otherwise and hence they should desist this practice,” he clarified.

Dietary fibre found in oats, barley, rye, banana, apples, berries, whole grain, bran, carrots to name a few reduces risk of intestinal cancers. “Taking 400 to 600 grams of fruits and vegetables per day is must. There is convincing evidence that diets high in fruits and vegetables reduce risk of cancer,” he advised.

Fruits of all kinds reduce the risk of stomach cancers. Lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, plays a major role in reducing the risk of prostrate cancer.

Consuming raw vegetables has been scientifically proved to be good for preventing stomach cancer.

“Recent studies have proved that salt and foods processed with salt are risky. Consumption of salt should be limited. Women should take up physical activity and breast feeding to reduce risk breast cancers,” he said.

The NIN Director said that relation between diet and cancer of cervix, common among women in Hyderabad, is not yet clear. “One should be as lean as possible without becoming underweight. One should be physically active for an hour in a day. Food with high fat like beef, pork and lamb should be avoided,” he added.