Nutrition Expert Advocates for Plant-Based Diets and Sugar Reduction in Cancer Recovery

Dietician Sarah Abagai advises cancer patients in Abuja to avoid sugar and fast foods while embracing plant-based diets and fresh produce for better health outcomes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 5:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Nutritional Strategies for Oncology Patients

Sarah Abagai, a prominent dietician and fellow of the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria, has highlighted the critical role of nutrition in managing cancer treatment and recovery. During a navigation program for oncology nurses in Abuja, Abagai stressed that food choices are not merely a matter of preference but a vital component of a patient’s health strategy. She advised those battling the disease to shift away from highly processed options and focus on a diet that deprives cancer cells of the environments they need to flourish.

The Danger of Sugars and Processed Foods

A primary focus of Abagai’s recommendations involves the strict reduction of sugar-rich foods and fast foods. She noted that cancer cells are particularly efficient at utilizing sugar for growth, making the avoidance of high-glucose diets a mechanical necessity for patients. Furthermore, she warned against the high carcinogenic content often found in commercial fast foods. By discouraging excessive fast-food consumption, she aims to reduce the intake of additives and processing agents that can complicate a patient’s recovery process.

Benefits of Plant-Based and Natural Diets

The dietician advocated for a return to natural, fresh produce as the foundation of a balanced diet. She specifically encouraged the consumption of nuts, such as cashew nuts and groundnuts, which provide essential fats and nutrients without the inflammatory properties of processed snacks. Plant-based diets rich in vegetables and fresh produce are recommended for their ability to support the body’s immune system. Abagai emphasized that these natural foods should be made more accessible and should be integrated into the daily routine of every oncology patient.