August Blog Summary

August Blog Summary

The study compared the diets of Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women who were breast cancer survivors. Question 1 investigated the relationship between lycopene intake and breast cancer risk. Responses to this topic included the fact that we should express to our patients/clients that lycopene will not totally diminish one’s cancer risk, but it would not hurt to include it in the diet. We should stress a VARIETY of fruits and vegetables, including good sources of lycopene, which can be found in tomatoes, tomato products, watermelon, apricots, and guava. Also important is the fact that heated tomato products, such as tomato sauce, are much more lycopene-dense than a fresh tomato. The bottom line is that lycopene has antioxidant properties, which fight off free radicals and prevent cell damage in the body, so we should be focusing on a variety of fruits and vegetables INCLUDING good sources of lycopene. Diet and lifestyle choices that increase the risk of cancer should be pointed out to the patient/client also. More research is needed regarding the relationship between lycopene and breast cancer risk.

Question 2 examined some possible causes as to why more Hispanic than non-Hispanic women were classified as obese. The education level as well as socioeconomic status of Hispanics tends to be lower, and this could be one of the answers. Furthermore, Hispanics in America are adjusting to our culture, and diet changes could contribute to weight gain. The Hispanic culture includes consumption of foods such as high fat cheese, meat, tortillas, and sauces. This high fat diet could definitely play a role in why more Hispanic women in this study were obese.

The final question addressed the connection between red wine and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. As registered dietitians, we should point out to our patients/clients that there are several things we can do to decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including physical activity, not smoking, and a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, whole grains, and low in sodium, fat, cholesterol, etc. These are characteristics of a healthy lifestyle, and they are probably more beneficial than drinking a glass of red wine. However, the anti-cancer benefits of the polyphenol resveratrol found in red wine has been shown in studies to in fact decrease cancer risk. It is important to tell our patients/clients that this is what research is suggesting, but more studies are definitely needed. We should focus on an overall healthy lifestyle and balance our choices-everything in moderation!