Nutrition plays an important role in the prevention and
treatment of cancer. Nutrients provide essential nourishment to the body for
the maintenance of life. These can be divided into two groups, i.e. energy
nutrients and protector nutrients. Certain vitamins (such as B vitamins) and
minerals (such as magnesium), which help in the process of conversion of food
into energy by activating specific enzymes are called energy nutrients, whereas
the nutrients that protect the body from various toxins (such as environmental
pollutants) are known as protector nutrients. The protector nutrients include
beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc. Most
of the protector nutrients act as antioxidants by eliminating free radicals
(which are highly reactive, unstable molecules produced during the process of
conversion of food into energy). Some nutrients are known to perform specific
functions in the body, for example, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium protect
the body from environmental pollutants while B vitamins counteract emotional and
physical stress. The nutritional deficiencies may lead to the genesis of cancer
by suppressing the immune system of the body and inducing premature ageing.
A vegetarian diet is rich in fibre, micronutrients and
antioxidants. A study conducted on 1200 persons, all above the age of 66 years,
has shown that the vegetarians have a significantly lower incidence of cancer
as compared to the non-vegetarians. Another study conducted at the Institute
for Experimental Pathology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
has revealed that the blood samples of vegetarians contain higher levels of
cancer-preventing factors such as carotene and glutamine transferase. Moreover,
the activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells) is found to be twofold
higher in the vegetarians as compared to the non-vegetarians.
Amino acids play an important role in the prevention and
treatment of cancer. N-acetyl cysteine is a sulphur-containing amino acid that
inhibits angiogenesis, enhances the immunity of the body and reduces toxic side
effects of radiotherapy & chemotherapy. N-acetyl cysteine plays an
important role in the synthesis of DNA and protects DNA from the damaging
effect of free radicals. L-arginine, an amino acid, enhances the anticancer
activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells) and the cytotoxic T lymphocytes
(CTL). Another sulphur-containing amino acid, methionine, increases survival
period in the liver cancer patients.
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) prevents the genesis of cancer by
enhancing the activity of the macrophages. A study done on advanced cases of breast
cancer has shown partially to complete regression of the tumours after
administration of Coenzyme Q10. It also protects tissues of the liver, kidney
and the heart from the damaging effect of free radicals. Soya bean, grape seed,
sesame seed, pistachio, walnut and spinach contain rich contents of coenzyme
Q10.
Gamma-linolenic acid inhibits the growth of cancer by
producing good eicosanoids such as PGE-1. This function of gamma-linolenic acid
is promoted by vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C and zinc. Studies have shown
that a combination of gamma-linolenic acid and vitamin C increases the survival
period in liver cancer patients. Black currant oil, evening primrose oil and
mother’s milk contain rich contents of gamma-linolenic acid.
