WE FREQUENTLY HEAR CLAIMS that consuming certain “superfoods” can either help prevent cancer or improve the odds of a positive outcome for those already in treatment for the disease. Are such claims actually true or merely marketing hype to help promote sales in the food and supplement industries?
According to Mounir Elkhatib, MD, an internal medicine physician with The Toledo Clinic, the short answer to that question is yes, certain foods can help in the fight against cancer. He explains, “Many foods contain biological components that are active in preventing the cancerous transformation of cells and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.”
Dr. Elkhatib points out that there is little funding for research into the efficacy of food as a cancer fighter and, thus, major studies on the topic are lacking. However, many small studies exploring this relationship have been conducted in the United States and other countries around the world.
“Also, these foods tend to have the greatest benefit when you begin consuming them on a regular basis early in life,” he adds.
Dr. Elkhatib offers several examples of foods containing chemicals known to inhibit cancer growth or prevent the cancerous transformation of cells. Among them are legumes, such as beans and peas; cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale; and certain mushrooms, such as shiitake, lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail varieties.
He continues, “Other foods contain chemicals that appear to have certain activity against cancer growth, though more research is needed to confirm their benefits. Examples include antioxidants like green tea catechins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, present in sources like walnuts and almonds.” Furthermore, beneficial foods, such as mushrooms, are being used in the multimodal treatment of various cancers, particularly in the realm of alternative and integrative medicine. On the flip side of the coin, Dr. Elkhatib notes, certain foods are known to promote the growth of cancer and should therefore be avoided. “For example, processed meats such as salami, bologna, and hot dogs contain chemicals that are known to precipitate or enhance the cancerous transformation of cells, and they become even more dangerous when the meat is charred. No natural foods are shown to have this effect,” he says.
Dr. Elkhatib also warns that certain cancer-causing pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals have found their way into our food supply. For instance, the chemical glyphosate— the active ingredient in the world’s most popular herbicide brand, which is widely used in agriculture around the world—has been linked to the development of lymphoma. In fact, patients who developed lymphoma following exposure to this product have won major lawsuits against its manufacturer.
The lack of robust scientific evidence to confirm the cancer-fighting benefits of certain foods can cause people to doubt that there’s value in eating them, Dr. Elkhatib acknowledges. However, he points out that there is no risk whatsoever to adopting better eating habits. “There’s no contraindication to using natural foods for cancer prevention or therapy. It can’t harm you to eat healthy, natural foods and avoid suspect ones,” he states.
The Toledo Clinic is a multi-specialty group practice, consisting of approximately 250 independent physicians and associated healthcare professionals, practicing in 40 medical and surgical specialties at more than 60 locations across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. We have been providing exceptional medical care at low costs for over 95 years. Obtain your medical history or payment history, make a payment online, or check appointments by logging in to the Toledo Clinic patient portal at https://portal.toledoclinic.com/Default.aspx. Please contact your physician’s office for more information on how to set up your account for online access. The Toledo Clinic offers convenient and affordable healthcare services staffed by friendly professionals. Most insurance plans are accepted. Please check with your insurance provider to find a Toledo Clinic physician in your group or network. For more information, visit www.toledoclinic.com. ✲
