Low Calorie Intake Starves Cancer

Scientists in Israel have developed a mathematical model to show that fast-growing cancer cells need more calories to survive than healthy cells.

Researchers at Ben Gurien University in Be'er Shiva believe that, as a result, controlled diets may have a role to play in slowing the growth of some forms of cancer.

"We don't know if we can improve the efficacy of our cancer therapy if we put people on different dietary regimes. We need to do the studies," responded Dr Steven Clinton of Ohio State University.

A spokesman for the Cancer Research Campaign claims many studies show "people in countries with lower intake of calories have a lower incidence of certain cancers, such as bowel and breast...Obesity has also been identified as a risk factor for many cancers".

However, the secret to good health still lies in a balanced, nutritious diet. The body's natural defence systems need energy to fight off any disease and starving the body of calories is certainly not a successful strategy for long-term health.

Saturday, 30 June 2001