The link between diet and cervical cancer
Diet and nutrition play a roleTrusted Source in the development of cervical cancer.
In fact, adequate nutrition helps to optimize the immune system, which, in turn, eliminates HPV and helps the body respond against cancer tumors.
However, research on the role of diet and nutrition in preventing or reducing the risk of developing cervical cancer has focused on antioxidant nutrients and dietary patternsTrusted Source that mitigate the impact of HPV.
Diets with high inflammatory potential — much like the Western-style dietary pattern — are associated with the development of cervical cancer, particularly among women who have an HPV infection and a sedentary lifestyle.
A Western diet — which is typically high in saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium — reportedly increases chronic inflammationTrusted Source and makes controlling HPV infections more challenging. Persistent HPV infection leads to the development of cervical cancer.
On the other hand, adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, peas or beans, healthy fats, and fish — may lead toTrusted Source a lower risk of both HPV infection and cervical cancer.
The intake of antioxidantsTrusted Source, such as the carotenoidsTrusted Source lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta carotene, and the vitamins C, E, and A may suppress the development of cervical cancer, particularly among those that smoke.
Furthermore, nutrients such as folate, vitamin DTrusted Source, and lycopene may stop the progression of HPV to cervical cancer.
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