Breast Cancer, Foods That Help to Reduce The Risk of Breast Cancer!
Can You Prevent The Risk of Breast Cancer Through a Healthy Diet?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an entire month designated for the annual campaign to raise awareness for a disease that has taken the lives of so many women all over the world. risks
The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2020 the number of breast cancer cases will jump to an alarming figure and one in every eight women would run the risk of developing the disease in her lifetime.
Breast Cancer,
Should be a concern to every woman, not just those who have a family history of the disease. It is important to be knowledgeable about the risk factors. Early detection and preventative measures are key to keeping yourself breast cancer-free. One of the main ways to prevent breast cancer is to eat a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fiber, and low in fat.
However,
There has been little mention as to what foods can be eaten that will specifically aid in breast cancer prevention. The following foods are considered part of a healthful diet in general, and they may help to prevent and lower the risk of development or progression of breast cancer.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Breast Cancer:
A. Diet:
If you improve your diet, you can dramatically reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Avoid foods like pastries, pizzas, fried foods. Instead, start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, cut down on alcohol, tea, coffee, and nicotine.
B. Exercise:
Make it a point to exercise at least for 30 minutes a day. This will reduce the chances of developing present by 30 to 40 percent. Having a healthy body will allow it to fight not just against cancer but other infections and diseases.
C. Pregnancy:
Doctors advocate women having their first child by the age of 25. Although there is no concrete evidence doctors say that women who have children early reduce their chances of getting breast cancer significantly compared to women who have their first child in their 30s.
NIH scientists find that breast cancer protection from pregnancy starts decades later. Breast cancer risk remains elevated 20-30 years after childbirth. In general, women who have had children have a lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who have never given birth.
D. Breastfeeding:
Breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months: The risk of developing cancer reduces if you breastfeed your child for at least 6 months.
In a study by the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer, researchers found that for every 12 months a woman breastfed, her risk of breast cancer decreased by 4.3%. The study compared mothers who breastfed to those who didn’t.
Remember,
breast cancer can be treated and cured if detected early. Doctors lay stress on this constantly. Women should go for regular breast examinations after the age of 30, or they can do it themselves at home. However, as the age-old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. That is why you should take heed and work towards preventing breast cancer. After all, it is easier and cheaper than breast cancer treatment!
Here’re 19 Foods That Help to Lower The Risk of Breast Cancer:
According to a recent study, thousands of breast cancer cases per year in the United States could be prevented through dietary changes. Though apparently there is no single food or nutrient that can shield you from breast cancer, researchers believe that the proper combination of foods can.
To adjust your diet to help in the fight against breast cancer, you should include superfoods listed below:
1. Red vegetables and fruits
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and unsalted help in preventing breast as well as prostate cancer in men. It has an antioxidant compound called lycopene. This compound helps to prevent stomach, prostate, lung, and breast cancer. Tomatoes are most effective when cooked. There are also good for helping prevent cardiovascular disease. “The redder, the better”.
- 57.3% of the daily recommended value for vitamin C.
- 22.4% of the DV for vitamin A.
- 7.9% of the DV for fiber.
Also,
Watermelon is a rich source of Lycopene, one of the strongest antioxidants. As we know, antioxidants, in general, can quickly help repair cells that are susceptible to the spread of cancer. The highest quantity of Lycopene is actually found in the cooked forms of these red vegetables and fruits.
Beneficial compounds in tomatoes may help lower the risk of breast cancer for postmenopausal women, according to a new study. The researchers show that the lycopene found in tomatoes may modify levels of adipokine hormones, which have been linked to obesity and inflammation.
2. Walnuts:
- These include peanuts as well as almond fruit. risks risks risks risks risks
- The main benefit can be seen in an increase of good cholesterol while lowering the bad cholesterol.
- As someone who has this particular problem, this is a good thing.
- However, you must be careful not to overdo it as you will gain weight.
- Nuts are rich in selenium, fiber, and phytochemicals.
- Brazil nuts can help fight inflammation, improve the immune system and prevent tumor growth.
- And you do not need many of them, a palmful can do the trick.
3. Oats:
- High insoluble fiber.
- Good for weight loss.
- Controls Blood sugar.
- It’s great for Heart.
- Rich in Minerals & Vitamins.
- Natural Laxative & more.
- Oats aid in lowering cholesterol and are full of fiber.
- which helps in digestion as well.
- A recommended intake is 35 grams.
Plus, oatmeal is a good source of antioxidants called phenols, which may help repair cell damage that contributes to cancer growth,
4. Garlic:
One of the absolute best foods to eat, not just for breast cancer prevention but for general vitality is garlic.
- Garlic is rich in antioxidants and can help prevent other forms of cancer as well.
- It is one of the best choices one can make when designing a healthy diet.
- Also, Garlic is a rich source of the cancer-fighting compound called allium. and its relatives (onion, leeks, scallions, and chives) are shown to slow tumor growth.
- And prevent breast cancer risk among other forms of cancer such as colorectal and prostate cancers.
5. Wine Is:
- Helpful as well, a Red wine specifically contains tannin, which can inhibit bacterial growth.
- It contains Vitamin C, E, and carotene.
- Carotene has an anti-oxidation function, can effectively prevent cataracts, immune barriers, artery atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebral vascular diseases, and cancers.
- A glass a day is recommended.
6. Green Tea:
Is associated with a number of beneficial health effects, including:
- Strengthening the immune system and reduced the risk of breast cancer.
Weight loss. - Blood pressure management.
- Research shows Green Tea has a Major role in cancer prevention.
- Green tea is high in polyphenol and catechins.
- These antioxidants may help protect cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals.
- Consumption on a regular basis has been linked to a lower incidence of breast cancer.
- The phytochemicals in green tea can well take the credit for its health benefits.
- One to two cups of green tea daily can help you keep cancer at bay.
7. Berries:
All berries are packed with cancer-fighting phytonutrients. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and black raspberries, contain high amounts of polyphenols. which may have anticancer properties. They’re also high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C.
There is some evidence that berries may help reduce breast cancer risk. Blackberry helps to fight Colon, Oral, and Skin cancer. a half-cup serving of berries a day may help your health.
8. Cruciferous Vegetables:
These vegetables are typically rich in antioxidant vitamins, such as C, E, and K, and are high in fiber. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, a type of chemical. This chemical, as well as the other components found in cruciferous veggies, may have cancer-fighting properties. risks
Popular Cruciferous Vegetables include:
- Broccoli.
- Cauliflower.
- Brussels sprouts.
- Arugula.
- Kale.
- Cabbage.
9. Fish-Salmon:
- A superfood and great source of omega-3s and vitamins B12 and D.
- Salmon provides your body with the nutrients it needs to regulate cell growth and prevent cancer.
- Certain types of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) are proven effective in cancer treatment.
- This fish is a great option and pairs well with many foods like garlic, dark-green leafy vegetables, turmeric, peppers, and broccoli.
10. Whole Grains Are:
- Rich in fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.
- choose whole grains such as quinoa, barley, oats, amaranth, brown rice, and whole wheat over their refined, white counterparts.
- Heat them in the morning with some milk and cinnamon and have it as a warm cereal.
- or make a side dish out of it by boiling and simmering it for half an hour for dinner.
Popular whole-grain options include:
- Brown rice.
- Oatmeal.
- Corn.
- Farro.
- Barley.
11. Soy:
- Many research identifies that soy is an extremely healthful food source.
- Rich in protein, healthy fat, vitamins, and minerals but low in carbohydrates.
- Soy reduces the risk of breast cancer,
- It is also reported to reduce low-density lipoprotein “bad cholesterol”.
- Soy lower the risk of heart disease.
Soy is found in foods such as:
- Tofu.
- Tempeh.
- Soy nuts.
- Edamame.
- Soy milk.
12. Turmeric:
Scientists at the University of Missouri concluded that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, could prevent cancer in women who took the synthetic hormones. It slows tumor growth and reduces the overall incidence. Animal studies demonstrated that the spice stops the synthetic hormones from releasing cancer-promoting growth factors into the healthy breast tissue.
There are additional health benefits attributed to turmeric spice beyond breast health.
It’s a potent antioxidant, it reduces inflammation, it degrades chemical toxins, and it promotes normal cell growth throughout the body. on the other hand, turmeric is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. The conventional products don’t work because most of the spice never reach the blood. You end up taking large doses which can get expensive.
13. Mushrooms:
Mushrooms have many benefits for health include:
- Relieve high cholesterol levels. breast cancer, prostate cancer, and diabetes.
- Help in weight loss and increases the strength of your immune system.
- It’s rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antibiotics, and antioxidants.
- A study found that higher mushroom intake is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among women who are premenopausal.
- Cremini, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms, among others, contain antioxidants such as:
- L- ergothioneine that may confer cancer protection.
14. Broccoli:
This popular vegetable has a wide variety of nutritional and medicinal benefits, including:
- Its ability to prevent many types of cancer.
- Improve our digestive system.
- Lower cholesterol, detoxify the body
- Maximize vitamin and mineral uptake.
- Prevent allergic reactions, boost the immune system, protect the skin.
- Prevent birth defects, lower blood pressure, eliminate inflammation, and improve vision and ocular health.
Broccoli,
- Rich in Sulforaphane that reduced the number of breast cancer stem cells (which cause cancer spread and recurrence) in mice.
- Studies show, Eating broccoli may not deliver enough sulforaphane to achieve the same effect.
- but to get the most you can, eat your broccoli raw or briefly steam or stir-fry the green florets.
- (Boiling destroys some of the sulforaphane.)
15. Pomegranates:
Pomegranates contain high levels of antioxidants called flavonoids. These flavonoids are known to be effective in counteracting various cancer radials. People that face a high risk of prostate and breast cancer should start drinking pomegranate juice, as it will help them to reduce the risk of developing cancer. risks risks risks
Regular consumption of pomegranates can reduce the PSA levels in the body and aid in the fight against existing cancer cells in the body The crunchy seeds of a pomegranate are well endowed with ellagic acid. a potent antioxidant that may inhibit an enzyme that plays a role in breast cancer development.
Pomegranates,
- a rich source of antioxidants.
- Pomegranates have also been linked to improved heart health.
- You can get the same antioxidants from pure pomegranate juice.
- but drink only one cup (250 mL) a day to keep sugar intake in check, or have half of a fruit.
16. Vitamins of the B-Complex:
Independent researches have shown that Boston and Shanghai have shown that a diet that is rich in vitamins of the B-complex is very ideal in keeping breast cancer at bay. The most powerful of the B-complex vitamins for the prevention of breast cancer are the vitamins B6 and B12 or folic acid.
Folic acid has been linked with breast cancer prevention in women who are regular consumers of alcohol. Higher levels of vitamin B12 are more effective in preventing breast cancers in women who have not yet had their menopause.
17. Carrots:
Carrots contain beta-carotene which is a precursor for the formation of vitamin A, chemically known as retinol. Research in New York has proved that women who include carrots on a regular basis in their diet have low chances of getting breast cancers. It has been found that a regular intake of carrots in the form of salads reduces the risk of breast cancers by half in women who have crossed their menopausal age.
18. Spices:
According to the Cancer Cure Foundation, spices are powerful as a cancer-fighting agent. For example, Jalapeno peppers and hot chili contain capsaicin, which is known as an effective cancer-fighting agent. Rosemary and turmeric are also helpful in the fight against cancer.
19. Beans:
Fiber-rich beans are unbelievably essential when fighting breast cancer, or any cancer. They can stimulate your intestinal tract to rinse carcinogenic toxins from your body system faster. Beans are also exceptionally high in particular cell-repairing proteins integral to battling breast cancer.
Certain food made from chickpeas is helpful in cleaning out your body and gastrointestinal tract allowing them to absorb healthy antioxidants more easily.
What foods to avoid if you have estrogen-positive breast cancer?
- Deep-fried foods.
- Margarine.
- Non-dairy creamers.
- Packaged cookies and crackers.
- Cake mixes.
- Pies.
- Pastries.
- Processed snacks.
Other Foods that can Promote Breast Cancer:
There are several foods that have been identified to be responsible for promoting breast cancer. The following is a list of some of these foods:-
I.Fatty Acids:
There are some fatty acids that promote the growth of breast cancer, while some others regard it. Generally, omega-6-polyunsaturated fatty acids are proven to increase cancer risks. Such fats are present in coconut oil and butter.
At the same time, oils such as castor oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, or corn oil contain omega-3 acids which in fact retard the formation of tumors. Hence, the diet must contain more omega-3 acids and less omega-6 acids in order to prevent breast cancer.
II. Red Meats Are:
known to cause almost all types of cancers if taken in excess. Hence, in the diet, the amounts of red meats must be reduced and white meats must be increased. Red meats are mutton, beef, and pork; while white meats are chicken and poultry.
III. Alcoholism And Smoking:
Smoking is the single largest risk for breast cancers today. Women who begin to smoke early in their lives and continue on a regular basis stand at a much higher risk. Similarly, alcohols are also to be avoided. Yet, recent researches have shown that alcohol taken in conjunction with a folic acid diet may actually help in the prevention of breast cancer.
Sticking to a good dietary regime could be very well the best way to prevent breast cancer. But the importance of physical activity should not be ignored. A woman can go a long way in preventing breast cancer if she takes a healthy diet and couples it with a physically active lifestyle.
The Bottom Line:
These are the major types of use in preventing breast cancer. Although there so many factors contributing to this condition that is out of our control, we must try as much as we can to prevent this disease. There are a number of simple dietary changes that can reduce the risk of breast cancer. If you stick to a proper diet, you actually reduce the chances of being the victim.
Go For Regular Checkups,
Visit your doctor every now and then, especially if you have any doubts. This is not a condition where you can think and postpone your doctor visit to the next month or even later. The earlier you get diagnosed, the earlier you will save yourself. risks risks
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Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
SourcesBurkman R, Schlesselman JJ, Zieman M. Safety concerns and health benefits associated with oral contraception. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2004; 190(4 Suppl):S5–22.[PubMed Abstract] Bassuk SS, Manson JE. Oral contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy: relative and attributable risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other health outcomes. Annals of Epidemiology 2015; 25(3):193-200[PubMed Abstract].