Poor dietary choices have been linked to the development of certain types of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. The food that people choose to eat can either help reduce the risk of cancer and improve their overall health or increase the risk of cancer. According to The Cancer Project, founded by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a pure vegan diet can help prevent cancer and increase cancer survival rates.
History
Vegetarianism in the United States dates to the mid-1800s. A pure vegan diet consists of only plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Depending on how a meal is prepared, the carcinogens found in some foods may promote the growth of cancerous cells. The Cancer Project explains how certain vitamins in plant-based foods can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, while others, such as dietary fats, can increase abnormal cell growth. The Cancer Project says that a vegan diet is high in fiber and low in fat and can cut the risk of cancer in half, compared with that of meat eaters.
Diet Effects
Regular consumption of foods that are high in saturated fat, specifically animal fat, may increase the risk of cancer. The Cancer Project notes that meat and milk have been closely associated with colon, prostate and ovarian cancer. Fats in food can increase hormone production in the body and may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. Lack of fiber can raise the risk of colon cancer.
Research
The May 2008 edition of the "British Journal of Cancer" published a study regarding prostate cancer risk and dairy consumption. The eight-year, eight-country study showed that a high consumption of protein and calcium from dairy sources significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer. A pure vegan diet has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and colon cancer. The extra fiber a vegan consumes, usually 30 to 40 grams a day, compared with the U.S. average of 20 to 20 grams per day, helps to move food and carcinogens through the digestive system quickly, according to the Cancer Project. High-fiber diets seem to reduce the risk of digestive diseases and can possibly protect the body from other forms of cancer, such as stomach and breast cancer. Meat products lack fiber and are high in cholesterol. Cancer-fighting substances such as carotenoids, beta-carotene, vitamin C, flavones and selenium are found in a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Considerations
The American Cancer Society warns that relying on diet alone and delaying treatment can have serious health consequences. Those who have cancer or suspect that they have cancer should get medical treatment. In addition, they should talk with a health professional about nutritional needs during and after treatment.
Risks
Strict vegans need to take a vitamin B12 supplement. B12 is only found in meat products or vegan-fortified cereals and soymilks. Eating a balanced, colorful diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, beans and grains should ensure that the rest of a vegan's nutritional needs are being met. When initially switching to a vegan diet, the extra fiber may cause temporary gas or bloating.
References
- American Cancer Society: Questions that People Ask About Cancer
- The Cancer Project: Cancer Facts - Foods for Cancer Prevention
- PubMed: "British Journal of Cancer": Animal foods, protein, calcium and prostate cancer risk: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition; May 2008
- American Cancer Society: Vegetarianism
