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| - Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that carrots and leafy greens can protect smokers from lung cancer. We did the fact check and termed this claim as false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that carrots and leafy greens contain beta-carotene, which can protect smokers from lung cancer.
Fact Check
Can beta-carotene in carrots and leafy greens prevent lung cancer in smokers?
No, beta-carotene does not prevent lung cancer in smokers. Although it is an antioxidant that protects cells from damage by neutralising free radicals, high doses of beta-carotene supplements can increase lung cancer risk in smokers. It is naturally found in carrots, leafy greens, and other colourful vegetables.
According to EFSA, taking high doses of beta-carotene supplements (20-30 mg/day) raises the risk of lung cancer in heavy smokers. In contrast, lower doses (below 15 mg/day) are considered safe for everyone, including smokers.
A 2022 study also found that beta-carotene supplements increase lung cancer risk, especially in smokers and asbestos workers. The risk was not linked to the dose, suggesting that any amount could be harmful. This is likely because beta-carotene can act as a pro-oxidant in the presence of tobacco smoke, leading to increased oxidative stress and damage to lung cells.
Dr Pooja Khullar, Radiation Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, explains, “No food or supplement can fully prevent or cure cancer. Relying on antioxidants or home remedies is not effective, especially for smokers. The best way to reduce cancer risk is to quit smoking, eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, avoid harmful substances, and have regular health check-ups. Effective cancer treatment requires proper medical care. It’s important to prioritise overall health and seek advice from healthcare professionals.”
While beta-carotene from food sources is generally safe, it does not protect smokers from lung cancer. Eating carrots and leafy greens as part of a balanced diet supports overall health but does not reduce the cancer risk linked to smoking.
Is there any way diet can reduce lung cancer risk for smokers?
Not really. No specific food or nutrient can counteract the harmful effects of smoking. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports general health and may help the body repair damage, but it does not eliminate the risk of lung cancer caused by smoking.
Research suggests that diets high in antioxidants and fibre can reduce inflammation and improve lung function, but they do not reverse the damage caused by tobacco smoke. The most effective way to reduce lung cancer risk is to quit smoking. Regular medical check-ups and screenings may help detect cancer early but cannot guarantee prevention.
We spoke with Shruti K Bhardwaj, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Zydus Hospital, Ahmedabad, for her opinion on whether diet can prevent lung cancer in smokers. She explains, “While no food can cancel out the harm caused by smoking, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens help protect cells but won’t reduce lung cancer risk for smokers. The best step is to quit smoking. A healthy diet works best when combined with a smoke-free lifestyle and regular health check-ups.”
On a related note, there are claims that watermelon seeds can cure cancer, which is false.
Can antioxidants protect smokers from lung cancer?
No, beta-carotene and other antioxidants do not protect smokers from lung cancer. In fact, high doses of beta-carotene can react with tobacco smoke, causing more cell damage and increasing cancer risk.
Relying on antioxidants is not effective for smokers. Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, exercise, and regular check-ups is the best way to reduce cancer risk.
Similarly, another home remedy suggests that desi ghee and garlic on an empty stomach can prevent cancer altogether. However, this is scientifically incorrect.
THIP Media Take
The claim that carrots and leafy greens can protect smokers from lung cancer is false. Carrots and leafy greens cannot protect smokers from lung cancer. While they contain beta-carotene and other nutrients beneficial for overall health, they do not counteract the harmful effects of smoking. In fact, high doses of beta-carotene supplements can increase lung cancer risk in smokers. The best way to reduce lung cancer risk is to quit smoking.
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