Chocolate is a popular treat around the world, prized for its rich flavor and creamy texture. For cancer patients undergoing difficult treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, the question often arises: is it safe and beneficial to eat chocolate during cancer treatment? Here we review the scientific evidence on chocolate’s effects in cancer patients.
Does chocolate help with side effects of cancer treatment?
Many cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. This makes it difficult for patients to get adequate nutrition during treatment. Some research suggests chocolate may help manage some of these side effects:
- Small studies show that the taste and smell of chocolate can reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It provided a pleasant sensory distraction from the nauseating treatments.
- Chocolate contains calories, protein, and other nutrients that could help cancer patients maintain their strength and body weight during treatment when side effects make eating difficult.
- Chocolate is thought to boost serotonin levels in the brain, which could improve mood and reduce fatigue in patients undergoing cancer treatment.
So enjoying small amounts of chocolate could provide comfort, calories, and a temporary mood boost during cancer therapy when side effects strike.
Does chocolate have any risks for cancer patients?
While chocolate may help with side effects of cancer treatment, some risks need to be considered as well:
- Chocolate is high in calories, sugar, and fat. Cancer patients who struggle with loss of appetite need to get adequate nutrition from the foods they do eat. Chocolate has low nutritional value per calorie, so overdoing it could lead to weight gain or nutritional deficiencies.
- Milk chocolate contains dairy, which some patients have trouble digesting during cancer treatment. This may lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, bloating, and cramping.
- Chocolate contains oxalates, which in high amounts could potentially increase risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Dehydration and kidney problems are concerns during cancer therapy.
- Chocolate derived from cocoa beans may contain small amounts of caffeine. Those sensitive to caffeine’s stimulatory effects should use caution and limit chocolate intake.
Moderation and common sense are key – consuming large amounts of chocolate daily would not be advisable for most patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Does chocolate have anti-cancer benefits?
Some research has suggested chocolate and cocoa may have anti-cancer properties. However, most studies have been in lab settings on cell cultures. Findings from population studies on chocolate and cancer risk have been mixed.
Here is what we know so far:
- Cocoa and dark chocolate contain antioxidants called flavonoids. These act against cell damage that could lead to chronic diseases like cancer.
- Lab studies show cocoa extracts can inhibit growth and proliferation of cultured cancer cells. It may also cause cancer cell death and inhibit metastasis.
- Animal studies have found cocoa extracts reduce risk of colon cancer in mice by lowering inflammation. However, results in rodents don’t always apply to humans.
- Human observational studies on chocolate consumption and cancer risk have had conflicting results. Some found modest reductions in risk, while others found no protective association.
- Clinical trials in humans are needed to truly determine if chocolate consumption can help prevent or treat cancer. Such evidence does not yet exist.
While chocolate may have theoretical anti-cancer benefits, there is not sufficient evidence to recommend high chocolate intake to cancer patients. Moderation is still key.
Tips for eating chocolate during cancer treatment
If consumed sensibly, chocolate can be safely enjoyed during cancer treatment. Here are some tips:
- Opt for small portions of dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. This provides more antioxidant benefits with less sugar.
- Be aware of food safety. Avoid raw, unpasteurized products that could contain harmful bacteria.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Chocolate contains oxalates that may increase kidney stone risk if dehydrated.
- Pay attention to effects on appetite and digestion. Reduce intake if chocolate negatively impacts nutrition.
- Discuss with your cancer care team. Consider restricting chocolate if you have conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems.
Chocolate can be a nice treat during cancer treatment, but patients should follow the advice of their healthcare team and listen to their bodies’ response.
The bottom line
Moderate chocolate consumption can provide comfort, calories, and temporary mood boosts during cancer treatment. However, chocolate has minimal nutritional value and cancer patients should prioritize more nutritious foods. While chocolate shows theoretical anti-cancer promise in labs, there is no clinical evidence yet that it prevents or treats cancer in humans. Cancer patients should enjoy chocolate in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dark chocolate better than milk chocolate for cancer patients?
Dark chocolate contains more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate, so it may be a slightly better choice. However, the differences are modest. Having a small piece of milk chocolate is still reasonable for a treat.
Can chocolate reduce inflammation in cancer patients?
Early research in animals suggests cocoa extracts may reduce inflammation. This could theoretically help cancer patients, since chronic inflammation drives many cancers. However, human data is lacking. More research is needed before recommending chocolate to reduce inflammation.
Does chocolate cause acne in cancer patients?
Some cancer treatments like steroids, hormonal therapies, and targeted therapies can cause acne as a side effect. Chocolate does not directly cause acne, but it can worsen breakouts due to ingredients like dairy, sugar, and oils. Cancer patients prone to treatment-related acne may want to limit chocolate intake.
Can chocolate be safely consumed during chemotherapy and radiation treatment?
Yes, there are no known interactions between chocolate and chemotherapies or radiation therapy. Small amounts of chocolate should be safe for most patients receiving these treatments. As always, moderation is key.
Should cancer patients drink hot chocolate during treatment?
Warm drinks like hot chocolate can be soothing and provide extra calories/nutrients when appetite is poor. However, dehydration is a concern during cancer treatment, so patients should not consume hot drinks in place of water. Drinking ample normal temperature fluids is most important.