Nutritional intake is crucial for maintaining good health and combating diseases. Achieving a balanced diet allows patients to consume nutrient-rich foods in sufficient amounts, providing the body with adequate energy and a variety of nutrients to support metabolism, tissue repair, and immune function, and more. This helps support patients in their fight against cancer. So, what are the suggestions that can help patients achieve a balanced diet?
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, various vitamins, minerals, and more – these are the nutrients that food can provide, and they come in a wide variety. Different food groups have their own nutritional components. For example, meat and legumes are rich sources of high-quality proteins, while vegetables and fruits contain abundant vitamins, dietary fiber etc. Fruits and vegetables in different colors also provide different phytochemicals. For instance, tomatoes contain lycopene, while blue and purple fruits and vegetables like blueberries and purple sweet potatoes provide anthocyanins. These are just a few examples about the nutritional characteristics of different types of food. Each nutritional component has different functions and benefits for the body. Therefore, to achieve a balanced diet, it is important to include a diverse range of food types in your diet to provide the body with a variety of nutrients. This also helps prevent nutritional deficiencies that may arise from a lack of specific types of food.
Whole foods are foods that are in a state close to their natural form, unprocessed. Examples include fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts, fresh meats, and milk etc. Generally, whole foods have higher nutritional value compared to processed foods, since some nutrients can be lost during processing. For example, whole grains like oats, brown rice and quinoa retain more dietary fiber and vitamins compared to refined grains like white rice and white bread. Fresh fruits also contain more dietary fiber compared to regular fruit juices. Additionally, processed foods often contain higher amounts of sugar and sodium, which can lead to excessive intake. Therefore, choosing whole foods that retain more nutrients can help patients obtain easier access to a comprehensive nutritional intake.
Animal-based foods such as meat, seafood, and milk are rich sources of protein, which is essential for tissue repair, physiological processes, and the immune system in the body. However, animal-based foods generally contain higher amounts of saturated fats in their fat content. Excessive consumption of saturated fats can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it is recommended to choose leaner animal-based foods such as fish, lean meats, and skimmed milk in order to reduce the intake of saturated fats.
Although the previous point mentioned reducing the intake of fat from animal-based foods, fats can actually provide energy, aid in nutrient absorption, and help maintain hormone production in the body. Therefore, it is essential to include fats in the diet. So, which type of fat is beneficial to the body? Dietary fats can be broadly categorized into saturated fats and unsaturated fats, with unsaturated fats (excluding trans fats) being considered healthy. When it comes to fat intake from food, the focus should be on consuming unsaturated fats. Foods such as nuts, seeds, corn oil, olive oil, canola oil, peanuts, avocados, and oily fish like salmon, are rich in unsaturated fats. These choices can serve as the primary sources of fats in the diet.
Patients may have heard about the impact of different foods on cancer and developed various food taboos, deliberately avoiding specific foods. However, many claims lack evidence supporting their effects on cancer. Unnecessary food restrictions can actually limit food choices, making it more difficult for patients to achieve a sufficient intake of various nutrients. If patients have concerns about dietary adjustments, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. They have the professional knowledge to help modify the diet appropriately and assist in fighting against cancer.
The choice and quantity of food can affect nutrient intake, and nutrient intake, in turn, affects the body's health condition. For cancer patients, a proper diet can also improve discomfort symptoms caused by the disease or its treatments. Therefore, a balanced diet is crucial for cancer patients. Patients should be mindful of their nutrient intake and follow the advice from their doctor or registered dietitian to ensure that their bodies receive the best support from food.
Prepared by Mr. Leung David Chung Wai (Food & Nutritional Science student, HKU)
Reviewed by Dr. Daphne Wu (Food & Nutritional Science, HKU)
