March is a super special month to us as it is all about celebrating WOMEN! We have International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, Women’s History Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month all falling in March.
Ovarian Cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the UK to affect women, with 20 women being diagnosed every day in 2013 - 2015! Unfortunately, the disease is not easily detected as it is usually diagnosed with symptoms, at which point it can be too late for treatment.
We find this unacceptable and hope that we can help raise awareness about Ovarian Cancer with top dietary health tips which have been linked to decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer.
Vitamins
Maintaining a varied and balanced diet can be the best way of getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A, D, E and K can help specific functions in the body, as they are not generated naturally in the body and are maintained through diet. Many people take supplements of these vitamins but this is not advised, as a high dose of the vitamins can be detrimental. A healthy dose can be maintained with the use of Mokhado’s Apricot Kernel Oil, which contains vitamin B17, and Avocado Oil, which contains vitamin E.
Sugar
Many believe that there is a link between sugar and cancer. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as our bodies need glucose to fuel it and there is no evidence to prove that a “sugar-free” diet lowers the risk of getting cancer. However, too much sugar can lead to obesity, which can subsequently increase the risk of 13 different types of cancer. This is why a healthy balanced diet is encouraged
Dairy
Similar misconceptions have been made about dairy. Some believe that dairy foods can have an undesirable impact on cancer patient survival and cancer development. Again, research to prove this claim is sparse. World Cancer Research Fundhas carried out studies, where no clear link could be made, instead, low-fat options are advised
Meat
Some research has stated that there may be a link between red meat, processed meat and cancer. Research suggests that there is a link between cancer cells and red meats such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse and goat meat, and processed meat, meaning meats that have been altered to enhance its flavour and to improve preservation such as bacon, ham, sausages, corned beef and canned meat.
Most research shows that there is a positive relation between cancer and these meats, however this is not specific to ovarian cancer. Cutting out these meats isn’t advised, but eating less, swapping for leaner meats and having more meat-free days is advised by World Cancer Research.
Get Active
As previously mentioned, maintaining a healthy body weight is a way of decreasing the risk of cancer, as well as diabetes and heart disease.
Having a healthy heart helps too and being physically active for at least 30 minutes a day can help to maintain this, get signed up to an exercise class, go to the gym, head out for a walk, housework, gardening and even washing the car can get your heart rate up!
Wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and pulses
We all know that having fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses in our diet is good for us. It is recommended that at least 30g of fibre and at least 400g fruit and vegetables each day. Processed starchy foods should be avoided and wholegrain bread, rice, pasta and cereals are championed.
Please remember to consult your doctor before changing your diet and find out more about Ovarian Cancer symptoms