The dietitians of God's Love We Deliver cover a range of cancer fighting nutrition tips such as how plant–based foods fight cancer, superfoods to prioritize in your diet, how healthy fats can help support your health, and how nutrition plays a role in protecting your bones during treatment.

1. Every Bite Counts!Every Bite Counts!
Nutrition Tips forNutrition Tips for
Breast and OvarianBreast and Ovarian
CancerCancer
Presented by
Ronnie Fortunato, MS, RDN
Jamie Lopez, MS, RDN

2. Role of nutrition
Power of plants – plant-based diet
Superfoods to prioritize
Healthy Fats
Bone Health
OutlineOutline

3. Diet is important during periods of
intense treatment, but also during
recovery
Lifestyle and eating choices can
help the body’s repair process
Today’s focus is on
 Nutritional needs
 Promotion of overall health
 Well-being and prevention of tumor
re-growth
Role of NutritionRole of Nutrition

4.  Plants have a variety of cancer fighting
properties:
 Antioxidants – vitamins and minerals
 Phytochemicals
Plant Based DietPlant Based Diet
Research shows a
diet high in plant
based foods
reduces the risk of
cancer

5. Plant based diets are high in fiber
which may reduce:
 Estrogen levels
 Insulin and insulin-like growth factors
Plant based diets are high in anti-
oxidants and phytochemicals which:
 Protect cells by inhibiting cancer cell
growth
Plant Based DietPlant Based Diet

6. Definition: “Plant Chemicals” that work
in combination with vitamins and
minerals to prevent, stop, reduce disease
 Greatest benefit: eating whole foods
 Whole foods: foods that are minimally and
simply processed
 Retain more nutrients to promote health
compared to processed foods or supplements
PhytochemicalsPhytochemicals

7.  Phytochemicals are often found in pigments
(or color) of fruits and vegetables
 For example:
ResveratrolResveratrol LycopeneLycopene
EatEat CCoolloorrffuull Foods!Foods!
CarotenoidsCarotenoids

8. More examples….
CyanidinCyanidin AllicinAllicin
EatEat CCoolloorrffuull Foods!Foods!
ApigeninApigenin

9. SuperfoodsSuperfoods
Superfoods
 Nutrient-rich
 Beneficial for health and well-being
 Include vegetables, fruits, whole
grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds

10. Cruciferous VegetablesCruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables - kale, broccoli,
cabbage, and Brussels sprouts
Contain phytochemicals - may help
fight cancer by:
 Detoxifying carcinogens
 Stopping growth of tumor cells
 Changing the activity of estrogen
Incorporate to your diet on a regular
basis

11. Flax SeedsFlax Seeds
 Flaxseed - may stop tumors from forming
and growing
 Grind seeds to get all benefits
 Purchase already ground, or grind
yourself in a spice grinder
 Once ground, sprinkle onto foods like
yogurt or oatmeal
 Store whole or ground seeds in the
refrigerator or freezer for up to six
months

12. Research found that soy products high
in soy isoflavones do not cause breast
cancer
In post-menopausal women it may
reduce risk but more research is
needed…..
Good soy products are:
 Edamame, tofu, tempeh, miso soup
 Whole vs. Processed (“soy protein
isolates”)
Truth on SoyTruth on Soy

13. Fat – an important source of energy for
the body
All fats are not the same!
Which fats are most healthful?
Dietary FatsDietary Fats
Emphasize
Healthy fats
Minimize
Unhealthy fats
MonounsaturatedMonounsaturated
PolyunsaturatedPolyunsaturated
Saturated FatsSaturated Fats
Trans-fatsTrans-fats

14.  Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
fats can reduce blood cholesterol
levels, lowering risk of heart disease
 Omega 3 fatty acids – anti
inflammatory!
 Reduce inflammation
 Benefit immune system
 May reduce risk of
metastatic disease
Healthy FatsHealthy Fats

15.  Monounsaturated
 Nuts, nut oils and nut butters; olive,
canola, safflower oil; avocado
 Polyunsaturated
 Sunflower, corn, and sesame oils
 Omega-3s
 Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring,
mackerel and sardines; nuts and
seeds (walnuts, flaxseed)
Healthy FatsHealthy Fats

16. Limit saturated fat and trans-fat
Saturated fat found mainly in animal products
Commercially baked goods contain saturated
fat and trans-fat
Less Healthy FatsLess Healthy Fats

17. Bone HealthBone Health
Cancer treatments, in addition to aging and
menopause, can lead to bone loss
 Increase risk of fractures and loss of independence

18. 5 Tips for Bone Health5 Tips for Bone Health
1. Exercise on a regular basis*
 Exercise helps to strengthen bones
and reduce bone loss.
2. Eat more green vegetables
 Kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels
sprouts are high in vitamin K,
magnesium and calcium that work
together to maintain bone health

19. 5 Tips for Bone Health5 Tips for Bone Health
3. Eat enough protein-rich foods
 Protein builds, repairs, and replaces body tissue
 Meat, fish, soy and beans are all excellent sources
of protein
 Eggs and dairy – high in protein and have the
added benefit of calcium and vitamin D

20. 5 Tips for Bone Health5 Tips for Bone Health
4. Maintain healthy body weight
 Carrying excess body weight puts extra stress on
your bones
 If you’re overweight, make healthy weight loss a
priority by exercising and following a balanced diet

21. 5 Tips for Bone Health5 Tips for Bone Health
5. Spend time in the sun
 Your body makes vitamin D from the sun’s
ultra-violet rays
 During the summer months, 10-15 minutes of
sun exposure at least 3 times a week without
sunscreen is adequate
Good Food Sources of
Vitamin D:
Egg yolk
Mushrooms
Fish
Fortified milk

22. Physical activity is key to a healthy
lifestyle!
Recommend 150 minutes per week
 30 min/ 5 days week
Physical ActivityPhysical Activity
TYPES OF EXERCISE
Aerobic exercise: Walking, running, cycling, dancing, or swimming.
Promotes fat loss, proper blood circulation, and strengthens the heart
Resistance exercise: Calisthenics, yoga, resistance bands or weights.
Helps to build muscle mass to restore strength and balance.
Stretching: Increases flexibility and prevents injury. Should be done
before (as a warm-up) and after exercise (cool down).

24. The two most important changes that you can
make to reduce your risk are:
Eating 5-7 servings of
fruits and vegetables
per day
Getting regular
physical activity
30 minutes, 5 days
per week
Preventing ReoccurrencesPreventing Reoccurrences

25. Increase physical activity
Increase fruits and vegetables
Stick with a plant based diet
 Include Omega 3 fatty acids found
in fish
Avoid weight gain after treatment
Stop smoking
Reduce alcohol consumption
ConclusionConclusion

26. Every Bite CountsEvery Bite Counts
To order please contact the
Nutrition Services Department at:
Email nutrition@glwd.org or call 212.294.8103

27. Questions?Questions?

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