Ovarian Cancer Meal Plan

 Ovarian Cancer Meal Plan

An ovarian cancer meal plan will help prevent and treat the disease. Treatments for ovarian cancers leave you depleted from vitamins and minerals. A healthy meal plan is crucial for revitalizing those vitamins and minerals. Cruciferous vegetables, fruits, soy, and foods that contain quercetin have all been proven to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer and fight the disease. 

Preventing Ovarian Cancer

Cruciferous vegetables are very rich in glucosinolates, a phytochemical, that was studied in 2018 (1950 participants) which discovered them to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer due to the vegetables proven anti-cancer properties (Kubala).

A case-controlled study of diet and ovarian cancer, conducted in China in 1999-2000, found fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer, however, diets rich in salted vegetables, fat, and fried foods increased the risk (Zhang et al). You definitely want to eliminate salt from your vegetables. Diets rich in salt are bad for your heart and seems to increase the risk for cancers, especially ovarian cancer.

Soy 

Soy products significantly decreased the risk for ovarian cancers as two separate meta-analysis studies were conducted in 2014 and 2016, which averaged out to a 41.5 % reduction in ovarian cancers (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine).

Soybeans include omega-3's, antioxidants, high amounts of protein, are lactose free, low in saturated fat, and high in fiber (Better Health Channel). Here are 20 ways to add more soy into your diet

Quercetin Kills the Cancerous Cell

Quercetin inhibits the process for normal cells changing into precancerous ones. Research has shown quercetin to even attack the mitochondria of cancer cells. This reduces the cancerous cells energy to increase and expand, even undergoing cell apoptosis. Research has shown significant reductions in tumor volume as well as significantly killing cancer cells in ovarian cancers along certain cell lines.

Onion peels contain the largest amount of quercetin.

Other Foods That Contain Quercetin:

• Capers 
• Dill 
• Cilantro 
• Yellow Peppers
• Green Peppers
• Asparagus 
• Broccoli 
• Kale 
• Apples 
• Cranberries 
• Red Wine 
• Certain Teas

Eating After Cancer Treatments

Eating well after ovarian cancer treatments are crucial to your recovery and wellness because your body craves vital nutrients after excruciating treatments, so it is important to eat a balanced diet, not lose any muscle, and maintain your proper weight after treatments (Upham). 

Conclusion

An ovarian cancer meal plan can be created throughout the day with fruits, vegetables, soy, and foods that contain quercetin. This type of meal planning will prevent and even fight ovarian cancer by attacking the cancer cells. Im sure many other healthy foods will help in healing and prevention. You definitely want to avoid fatty foods and diets rich in salt as this has been proven to increase the risk. 

Works Cited

Kubala, Jillian. “Ovarian Cancer and Diet: Impact, What to Eat, and More.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 21 Oct. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ovarian-cancer-and-diet. Accessed 3 Jan. 2023.

Upham, Becky. “Nutrition for Ovarian Cancer Patients: Healthy Foods and Supplements in Diet.” EverydayHealth.com, 20 Aug. 2020, www.everydayhealth.com/ovarian-cancer/nutrition-for-ovarian-cancer-patients.aspx.

Zhang, M, et al. “Diet and Ovarian Cancer Risk: A Case–Control Study in China.” British Journal of Cancer, vol. 86, no. 5, 26 Feb. 2002, pp. 712–717, https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6600085.

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “Ovarian Cancer | Nutrition Guide for Clinicians.” Pcrm.org, 2014, nutritionguide.pcrm.org/nutritionguide/view/Nutrition_Guide_for_Clinicians/1342008/all/Ovarian_Cancer.

Better Health Channel. “Soybeans.” Vic.gov.au, 2012, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/soybeans.