Myths About Protein Intake During Cancer

By Dr. Nandita Shah (Nutritionist & Homeopath)

In today’s health-conscious world, protein is heavily promoted—doctors, trainers, and even advertisements constantly urge us: "Have more protein!" But do we really need extra protein, especially during cancer? Let’s bust the myths and uncover the truth.

Do We Really Need Additional Protein

The truth is, protein deficiency is rare; it only occurs in cases of starvation. Most of us are already consuming more than enough protein without even realizing it. As Dr. Nandita Shah explains, 

"We don’t really know anyone with protein deficiency. Protein deficiency only occurs because of starvation."

Our obsession with protein stems from a culture that promotes it excessively, without considering how much we truly need. Think about herbivores like horses and elephants; they build massive muscles purely on plant-based diets. So, where do they get their protein? From greens, beans, seeds, and nuts the same sources we should prioritize.

The Best Plant-Based Protein Sources

Greens – Spinach and other leafy greens are packed with protein. "Remember Popeye the Sailor Man? What he says is really true, spinach is full of protein!" Starting your day with a green smoothie ensures you get protein along with essential nutrients for healing.

• Beans & Lentils "Protein is food for growth, and anything that’s a seed something that’s going to grow is full of protein." Beans (like chickpeas, lentils, and soy) are excellent protein sources.
• Seeds: Sesame, sunflower, flax, and mustard seeds are protein-rich.
• Nuts (in Moderation): While nuts contain protein, they also have fats and natural toxins. "Nature never meant us to eat too many nuts—that’s why they come in hard shells." Soaking nuts reduces their harmful effects, but limits intake to no more than 10 nuts a day.
  

Do We Need Soy or Tofu?

Soy is just another bean higher in protein than most, but we don’t need excessive protein. "If you’re giving up dairy, you don’t need to replace it with soy milk." Tofu is a concentrated form of soy, but Dr. Shah advises: "It’s not necessary to have tofu every day. I don’t recommend more than 250g a week."

The Perfect Protein: Balanced & Nutrient-Dense

The best protein comes with fiber, which detoxifies the body. "That’s perfect protein for anybody." Instead of supplements, focus on whole plant foods. They provide all the protein you need, along with vital nutrients for recovery and health.

More protein isn’t always better. "We don’t need to do anything to get excess protein—we’re already getting more than enough." By choosing greens, beans, seeds, and moderate nuts, you get clean, fiber-rich protein ideal for healing, especially during cancer.

"Nature is always abundant. Trust whole foods, not supplements." — Dr. Nandita Shah