A balanced and healthy diet is essential for cancer patients to maintain strength and well-being during and after treatment. Omega Hospitals stresses the importance of proper cancer nutrition as a crucial component of cancer care and recovery.
In this blog post, our expert doctors discuss the importance of nutrition for cancer patients and provide tips on healthy eating and recipe suggestions.
Benefits of a balanced diet
A balanced cancer patient diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide essential nutrients that can help boost the immune system, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection.
Eating a cancer diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals, can help reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
Protein is also an important nutrient as it helps to repair and rebuild tissue, maintain muscle mass and boost the immune system. It is recommended that they consume enough protein from lean sources such as fish, poultry, and legumes.
During cancer treatment, cancer patients may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In these cases, it is essential they eat smaller and more frequent meals, and to choose foods that are easy to digest and high in calories, such as nuts, seeds, and avocados.
Some recipe ideas and suggestions
Here are some locally-renowned recipe ideas that can help patients with cancer get the essential nutrients they need:
Sambar with steamed vegetables: This traditional South Indian dish is made with a lentil-based broth and is a great source of protein and fibre. It can be served with steamed vegetables such as carrots, beans, and okra for added nutrition.
Idli and Sambar: Idli is a steamed rice and lentil cake that is a staple in South Indian cuisine. It is easy to digest and is a good source of carbohydrates and protein. It can be served with a side of sambar for added flavour and nutrition.
Vegetable Raita: This dish is a yogurt-based condiment that is often served as a side dish with South Indian meals. It is made with mixed vegetables and yogurt, providing a good source of protein and calcium.
Pongal: This is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made with rice, lentils, and vegetables. It is a nutritious and comforting dish that is easy to digest and provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates and minerals.
Dosa: Dosa is a popular South Indian dish made with a fermented batter of rice and lentils. It can be filled with a variety of vegetables, and it is a good source of protein and carbohydrates.
Coconut Chutney: This is a traditional South Indian accompaniment made from grated coconut, green chillies, and ginger. It is rich in healthy fats and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Vegetable Korma: This is a delicious and creamy South Indian dish made with mixed vegetables, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. It is a good source of protein, healthy fats and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Lemon Rice: This is a simple and easy-to-make dish made with cooked rice and lemon juice. It is a good source of carbohydrates, and the lemon juice adds a good source of Vitamin C
In addition to these recipe ideas, Omega Hospital’s expert doctors, with years of focused expertise in cancer care, advise that it is important for cancer patients to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids. Consultation with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider ensures dietary needs are being met during cancer treatment.
Cancer patients should aim to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids. By following these tips and trying out these recipe ideas, they can better support their overall well-being and recovery.