Nowadays there is discussion about the connection between cancer treatment and antioxidants. Some people assume antioxidants as cancer’s natural cure, also some people think it is harmful to cancer. To clear this confusion, here we will discuss some common myths that will help you understand how antioxidants work in cancer treatment and whether they have any effect.
Here we will discuss 10 powerful antioxidant myths in Cancer that people often believe about antioxidants and cancer.
Table of Contents
Myth 1: Antioxidants can cure cancer
Many people think that antioxidants can directly cure cancer. This is a common myth, spaded by the marketing of supplements and health products.
The truth: antioxidants can’t cure cancer. The main function of antioxidants is to neutralize free radicals which damage our cells. These free radicles increase oxidant stress in cells which damages cells and in some cases becomes a reason for cancer. Antioxidants can’t directly attack cancer cells or destroy them.
For example, Vitamin C and vitamin E are known as cancer fighters; however, research shows that they improve general health instead of preventing or curing cancer.
An Important Stat: The American Cancer Society has determined after some research that antioxidants support cancer treatment, but they are not the main cure.
Myth 2: All antioxidants are equally beneficial
Another common belief is that all antioxidants have the same effect and are equally helpful in preventing cancer. This is also wrong.
The truth: Antioxidants have different effects, and they work differently. Vitamin C, Selenium, and Beta-carotene have unique benefits. For example, in some cases, selenium is effectively beneficial in some specific cancers, and beta-carotene high dose increases the risk of cancer, especially in smokers.
According to one research, some antioxidants affect specific types of cancer, lycopene found in tomatoes reduces the risk of prostate cancer, but is not useful in every type of cancer.
An Important Stat: The National Cancer Institute published a journal that states high doses of beta-carotene can cause lung cancer. So it is not true that every antioxidant is note same. Yet you have to consult your doctor according to your requirements.
Myth 3: Taking more antioxidants will give more protection
There is a misconception among people that taking a high dose of antioxidants can decrease the risk of cancer.
The truth: It is completely wrong. Taking a high dose of antioxidants may cause damage instead of benefits. Because of overuse, some antioxidants can enhance oxidative stress instead of controlling it. Some studies show that in some situations more antioxidants can increase the growth of cancer cells.
For example, taking a high dose of beta-carotene is harmful to smokers, same as taking a high dose of Vitamin E may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
An Important Stat: According to the American Journal of Epidemiology high doses of Vitamin E have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It is important to understand that always more quantity is not better and you should follow a balanced diet.
Myth 4: Antioxidants are always safe in cancer treatment
One more misconception is that antioxidants are always safe and one can take them without a second thought in cancer treatment. As antioxidants are natural, people think it always good for health.
The truth: It is also a myth. Some antioxidants such as Vitamin C or E, may directly interact with some cancer and may reduce of cancer effect. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy use free radicals and damage the cancer cells, taking antioxidants with them some time it it reduces the effect.
For instance, it shows in some studies that overuse of antioxidants can help to reduce the chemotherapy effect by about 30%. It is important to take some supplements or antioxidants, it is important to take advice from the doctor.
An Important Stat: According to a study by the National Cancer Institute, some antioxidants can reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, which impact the result of treatment negatively.
Myth 5: Antioxidants have the same effect on everyone
People think the impact of antioxidants is the same for everyone, but it is not true. Every human has a different genetic makeup, so the impact of antioxidants is different for every person.
The truth: Genetics, lifestyle, and diet decide the impact of antioxidants. Every human body absorbs and processes antioxidants differently. Depends on genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions.
For example, some people absorb antioxidants efficiently, and some people have an impact on absorption because of genetic factors.
An Important Stat: According to Genetics in Medicine, genetics significantly impact the absorption and effect of antioxidants in some people.
Myth 6: Supplements alone can provide enough antioxidants
Many people think that to maintain an antioxidant level it is necessary to take supplements, as they think there are not enough antioxidants in their daily diet.
The truth: This is also a misconception, often we get enough antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables. In these natural sources, there an antioxidants present with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are helpful to health and can reduce the risk of cancer naturally.
Berries, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds are rich in antioxidants. We get antioxidants present in natural foods in a balanced way, which is safe and beneficial in comparison to high doses of alternative supplements.
An Important Stat: According to World Health Organization (WHO), A balanced diet loaded with fruits and vegetables, has a sufficient quantity of antioxidants, which fulfills the antioxidant requirement of the body.
Tip: instead of taking too many supplements include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
Myth 7: Antioxidants can stop all types of free radicals
It is also a common misunderstanding that antioxidants can kill every free radical, even any kind of it.
The truth: every antioxidant has a different interaction with free radicals. All antioxidants are not the same and they work differently with different types of free radicals. Free radicals are reactive oxygen species that damage cells, antioxidant neutralize them, but this is unique for every antioxidant.
For example, Vitamin C works effectively against specific free radicals, yet Vitamin E works effectively against different types of free radicals. So only one antioxidant can not help to control every free radical.
An important stat: According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, different antioxidants have different targets, and they have a better impact when all of them are combined and used. So it is advisable instead of using a single antioxidant combine them for a better impact on free radicals.
Tip: It is advisable to use a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, on consuming them they balance different antioxidants in the body.
Myth 8: Natural Antioxidants are Always Better than Synthetic Antioxidants
It is also a misconception that natural antioxidants are always better than synthetic antioxidants. For that reason, many people only prefer natural sources of antioxidants.
The truth: This is not true in every case. Some synthetic antioxidants are effective in specific treatments, and they are effective as natural antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals. This doesn’t mean synthetic antioxidants are better in every case, but it is not stated that they are harmful.
For instance, it has been found BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) a synthetic antioxidant very effective in some cancer treatments. Combined natural and synthetic antioxidants can be useful in such cases of cancer.
An important stat: According to research synthetic antioxidants like BHT can give promising results in cancer therapy. But they can be used always under the guidance of the doctor.
Tip: We should have a balanced approach with natural and synthetic antioxidants, and have a treatment plan according to the advice of the doctor.
Myth 9: Cooking destroys all the benefits of antioxidants
There is a common myth that by cooking food it will destroy the benefits of antioxidants. People think raw food is better because it degrades antioxidants by cooking them.
The truth: This statement is not fully true. For some foods, cooking can increase the bioavailability of antioxidants, which means the body can easily absorb antioxidants. For example lycopene present in tomatoes, after cooking more absorbable, which helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Food like spinach and carrots have some antioxidants which are more effective after cooking. It is also true that in some foods after overcooking antioxidants are destroyed. So it is advisable to use moderated cooking for more benefits.
An important stat: According to the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, cooking makes lycopene levels increase in tomatoes, which is helpful in better absorption in the body.
Tip: Have a balanced approach and consume some foods raw and some foods cooked for maximum benefits of antioxidants.
Myth 10: Antioxidants are needed only during cancer treatment
People also think that antioxidants are helpful only when someone is suffering from cancer or is undergoing treatment for cancer. This is also not true.
The truth: Antioxidants are good for normal health and cancer prevention as for cancer treatment. Antioxidant-rich foods make strong your immune system and protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It make less chance of developing cancer.
Consuming a diet high in antioxidants continuously may improve health and reduce the risk of developing cancer. It is not only for those who are having cancer treatment, but it is preventing measures that defend you from cancer in the future.
An important stat: According to the National Cancer Institute, long-term antioxidants use can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by 30%.
Tip: Make antioxidants a regular element in your lifestyle, don’t focus on them only during treatment.
Conclusion
So many myths about cancer and antioxidants, which we tried to clear through this article. Cancer is a complex disease, in which antioxidants have their role, it is not a cure. You should always look at antioxidants as a preventive and supportive measure and always get consulted by the doctor before starting a supplement or treatment.
Understanding these myths you can make your health decisions more scientifically accurate and safe. Hope this article is helpful for you and better understand between cancer treatment and antioxidants.
