Most of us aren't particularly superstitious but when it comes to our health, we tend to get swayed by certain unfounded myths. This could entail listening to the advice offered by your family, friends, or neighbours third cousin.

While their counsel might be rooted in goodwill, know that some of the tips are just disguised myths. They say "Careful now, you're a cancer patient. You can't eat like everyone else."

The reality is that there are very few restrictions when it comes to what you can and can't eat. All you need to do is take some common precautions before putting anything on your plate. For instance, make sure your food is well-cooked in a hygienic environment.

They say "Non-vegetarian food during cancer treatment? That's an absolute no-no."

It's not all non-vegetarian food you need to avoid, but just red meat. It's true that eating an excess of 4 ounces of beef or mutton in a day can result in colorectal cancer. But this does not mean you can't have non-vegetarian food at all. Substitute red with white meat such as poultry, fish, and eggs in moderation and you will be in the clear.

They say "Eat that much butter and you'll end up with cancer."

Well, they got this one right. Butter, coconut, and processed meats are the enemy, because they are rich in saturated fats. Such fats can potentially cause high cholesterol levels, as well as breast and uterine cancer. All of us should guard against unhealthy fats to keep our hearts strong and active.

They say "Don't pick out tomatoes from your food, they can save you from cancer."

Tomatoes are rich in an antioxidant called lycopene. When you consume antioxidants regularly, you could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. But tomatoes aren't the only source! Other antioxidant-rich foods like black grapes, spinach, and nuts could not only save you from cancer but also prevent age-related diseases.

So, the next time someone makes a statement about cancer and food, here's your comeback. We've served you the fresh facts, its time to plate up and stay out of the cancer zone.