Misconceptions about diet and cancer

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding diet and cancer. Before we reveal the only two foods scientifically proven to increase cancer risk, let’s clear up a few misconceptions.

Sugar:    It’s true that cancer cells use glucose for energy, but so do all cells in our bodies. Therefore, completely eliminating sugar from the diet would be pointless, as cancer cells would simply find another source of energy. Overall nutrition and balanced blood sugar levels are even more important. Whole grains containing sugar, such as fruit, are not prohibited.

Soy:    This fear terrifies many women, especially breast cancer survivors. Soy contains phytoestrogens, compounds similar to, but distinct from, estrogen. Consuming phytoestrogens does not increase estrogen levels in the body. In fact, recent studies have shown that consuming phytoestrogens actually reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence, even in hormone-positive breast cancers.

Animal Meat:    Eating unprocessed red meat in moderation doesn’t increase your risk of cancer. Processed meat poses a significantly higher risk. The key lies in two things: how the meat is prepared and how often it’s eaten.