A diet rich in plant-based foods can combat the development of cancer, an oncology dietitian at the UK Markey Cancer Center in Kentucky has said.
Dr Rachel Miller has revealed that adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other plant-based foods to your diet can protect you from developing cancer.
Plant-based foods often contain phytochemicals and antioxidants – natural compounds that work together to keep our cells healthy and protect them from damage, making them useful cancer fighting tools.
- Plant protein can combat heart complications
- New AI tool improves outcomes for kidney transplant patients
Increasing your intake of plant-based foods can also help you lose weight, protecting you from developing cancers that are associated with obesity.
Dr Miller said: “You don’t have to give up meat entirely.
“This approach is flexible — you can still enjoy lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs and low-fat dairy. The key is to fill most of your plate with plant foods first.
- Accelerated biological ageing associated with ultra-processed foods
- High intake of ultra-processed foods can accelerate biological ageing
“The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to make perfect choices all the time.”
Incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet can be simple, including choosing whole grain bread and pasta instead of white and having meatless meals once or twice a week.
In addition, you can include beans or lentils in your meals a few times a week, keep fresh fruit visible on your counter for easy snacking and add an extra serving of vegetables to your lunch and dinner.
