Navigating the world of diets can be challenging, especially when trying to find foods and drinks that support your health journey, which can feel overwhelming, particularly for individuals dealing with cancer or in remission who are looking for nutritious choices to help in preventing the disease.
Dietary advice often appears conflicting, making it hard to determine reliable sources. Yet, a cancer dietitian active on social media is working to provide clear guidance on nutrition for those facing cancer challenges and shedding light on habits she believes should be avoided.
Nichole Andrews, an oncology dietitian, aims to show cancer survivors and patients ways to enjoy their favorite foods while dispelling myths about cancer nutrition.
In a recent TikTok video, Nichole addressed the consumption of soursop tea by cancer patients. Soursop, also called graviola, is a large tropical fruit known for its caffeine-free tea made from its leaves.
Although soursop tea is praised for its antibacterial properties and antioxidants, some market it as an alternative cancer remedy. However, Nichole and Cancer Research UK emphasize the lack of solid evidence supporting its effectiveness against cancer.
Responding to a viewer’s question about soursop consumption during breast cancer treatment with hormone blockers, Nichole warned against using soursop for cancer treatment due to potential side effects and issues for cancer survivors.
Research suggests soursop is used in Africa and South America for conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, depression, viruses, and sickness. While lab studies show soursop extracts can kill certain cancer cells, there is no concrete evidence supporting its use as a cancer treatment in humans.
Cancer Research UK cautions against using graviola capsules as a cancer cure, as reputable scientific organizations do not endorse them. They echo Nichole’s concerns about potential adverse effects of soursop tea, as some compounds in the fruit may cause nerve changes and movement disorders similar to Parkinson’s disease.
While soursop in balanced diets is likely safe, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before trying any complementary or alternative treatments.
For additional information on soursop and cancer, visit the Cancer Research UK website.