Shoaib Ibrahim revealed that his wife, Dipika Kakar, has undergone a dietary change following surgery for cancer recurrence. Sharing a glimpse of her meal on his YouTube vlog, which consisted of sautéed vegetables, he said: “Dipika is eating sauteed vegetables (laughs),” as Dipika added, “Din me do baar woh bhi (that too twice a day).”. Taking a cue from Dipika’s recent dietary update, let’s understand how sautéed vegetables help.. What may appear to be a simple dietary choice actually reflects a deeply therapeutic and evidence-based approach to nutrition, particularly relevant for individuals concerned about cancer recurrence, said consultant dietitian Garima Goyal.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. What are sautéed vegetables?. From a clinical standpoint, cancer recurrence is closely associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, impaired detoxification pathways, and hormonal imbalances. “Diet plays a critical role in influencing all these mechanisms. Sautéed vegetables, when prepared correctly, offer a powerful combination of bioavailable nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that support the body’s defence systems,” said Goyal.. Have vegetables in your diet (Photo: Freepik). One of the key advantages of sautéing vegetables lies in improved nutrient absorption. “Light cooking in healthy fats such as olive oil or ghee enhances the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins, including A, D, E, and K, along with important phytonutrients like beta-carotene and lycopene. This is particularly beneficial for individuals in recovery, where maximising nutrient uptake is essential. Additionally, cooking helps reduce anti-nutritional factors such as oxalates and phytates, thereby improving mineral absorption and overall digestive efficiency,” added Goyal.. Equally important is the anti-inflammatory effect of vegetables. “A variety of colourful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and leafy greens provide a broad spectrum of antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, a known contributor to cancer progression and recurrence,” said Goyal.. Story continues below this ad. Also Read | Suniel Shetty’s simple salt habit may help cut sodium intake: ‘No pink one for me’. The expert said that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are especially significant due to their sulforaphane content, which supports phase 2 detoxification pathways in the liver.. Method of preparation. The method of preparation, however, determines the dish’s therapeutic value. “Vegetables should be sautéed on medium heat using stable, high-quality fats. Beginning with garlic and onions not only enhances flavour but also activates sulfur-containing compounds. Hard vegetables should be added first, followed by softer ones, ensuring that the final preparati
