10 Dietary Choices to Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

A good diet and alteration in your lifestyle can reduce various health risks. One needs to follow a good diet plan to improve the quality of life. Cancer is a lifestyle disease that affects the organs of the body. Even genetic history and environmental factors can cause cancer. In women, cancer can spread to the abdomen & pelvis causing ovarian cancer. However, to reduce the risk and prevent ovarian cancer, a balanced nutritious diet pattern can be incorporated into daily meals.

1. Plant-based foods-

Nutritious foods like vegetables, anti-oxidant rich fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes have anti-cancer benefits as they are high in fibre & protein. It reduces inflammation in the body, increases good bacteria in the gut and improves insulin response. Have a combination of different colour veggies & fruits in your diet to reap more nutrition! Eat more cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, radish, cabbage and mustard seeds, which help build and repair damaged cells. It aids in maintaining weight.

2. Less lactose products –

Dairy products to a certain extent have some side effects on people with ovarian cancer. People who are susceptible to the risk of cancer should have low-fat milk, vitamin D and calcium intake.

3. Eat a diet rich in Omega-3s –

An omega-3 fatty acid found exclusively in fish inhibits ovarian cancer growth.

4. Selenium foods-

High protein foods like Tuna, shrimp, prawns, turkey, chicken, eggs, nuts and beans reduce the potential risk of ovarian cancer. It plays a critical role in metabolism function and boosts immunity.

5. Unprocessed soy foods-

Eating organic soy food like soy milk, edamame & tofu slows down the growth of ovarian cancer cells and is good for your blood vessels.

6. Dodge eating meat daily –

Though meat has certain benefits, having too much of it can cause harm to your health. Avoid having red and treated meat.

7. Evade processed food –

Snacks, chips, frozen fried food; processed cereals have chemical acrylamide and are cooked at high temperatures.

8. Limit sugar –

Sugar-based products like cookies, candies, chocolates, canned juices, cakes and aerated drinks cause inflammation and have more risk associated that brings down the body immunity levels making it vulnerable to diseases like cancer.

9. Quit smoking, tobacco & alcohol –

Compared to nondrinkers, women who drink alcohol daily are at relative peril of ovarian cancer. Having nicotine in any form increases the risk of contracting ovarian cancer.

10. Healthy fats –

Eat healthy fats like peanut butter, olive oil, rice bran oil, avocado, nuts & seeds and avoid saturated/trans fat that is found in processed or fried foods.

No food can guarantee to keep you cancer-free. But having a wholesome healthy diet that is anti-carcinogenic (anti-cancer properties) will certainly offer protection against ovarian cancer.