Consuming a nutrient-rich diet can play a role in preventing and fighting different types of cancer. Ovarian cancer is a cancer that affects your ovaries. Your ovaries are located on each side of your uterus, and produce eggs, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal fullness, swelling or bloating, pelvic pain, gas, indigestion, nausea, irregular bowel habits, appetite loss or feeling full, increased abdominal girth, energy loss and lower back pain. Certain foods may be helpful in helping you fight ovarian cancer.
Foods Rich In Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that acts to protect your body from free radical damage. Free radicals are harmful agents that can invade your body and cause cellular damage, infection and illness. As a result, this vitamin may be helpful in preventing or treating cancer, according to a study in the 2007 edition of "Cancer Prevention and Detection." This study determined that vitamin E can help protect against ovarian cancer cell growth by suppressing telomerase activity. This is significant because telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein that is linked to cancer development. Good dietary sources of vitamin E include avocado, spinach, nuts, nut butters and olive oil.
Foods Rich In Beta-carotene
According to MedlinePlus, the carotenoid beta-carotene may effectively decrease the risk of ovarian cancer in women post-menopause. You can find this carotenoid in supplement or dietary form. Good food choices include vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Green Tea
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research indicates that women who drink green tea may help extend survival from ovarian cancer. Research is inconclusive and more studies are required. Green tea may be beneficial because of its polyphenol content. Polyphenols belong to the group of antioxidants that protect your body from harmful agents associated with illness. These polyphenols may help kill cancer cells and inhibit their continued growth.
Foods Rich In Vitamin D
Vitamin D may play a role in ovarian cancer occurrence. A study in the 2006 "Current Cancer Drug Targets" says that living at a higher latitude is associated with greater occurrence of ovarian cancer and death rates. This suggests that a deficiency in vitamin D may be a contributor to the occurrence of this cancer since this vitamin is naturally obtained from sunlight. You can obtain this vitamin in a supplement form or in some dietary sources. Good food choices include fatty fish, such as salmon, herring and sardines. In addition, this vitamin may be added to milk, juices and grain products.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms
- " Cancer Detection and Prevention": Vitamin E suppresses telomerase activity in ovarian cancer cells. (2007). Bermudez, Ahmadi, Lowell, Kruk. 31(2).
- "Current Cancer Drug Targets": Vitamin D Receptor Is A Novel Drug Target For Ovarian Cancer Treatment. (2006). Zhang, Nicosia, Bai. 6(3).
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- MedlinePlus: Beta-Carotene
