It’s well-established that your diet can significantly help reduce the risk of developing cancer. Growing evidence from recent studies shows that eating the right kind of foods plays an important part in helping to prevent breast cancer.
CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES: Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, garlic, onions, leeks, cabbage and red cabbage contain a group of substances, known as glucosinolates, which help prevent DNA damage in cells in the human body.
DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES: The antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, found in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
BEANS AND PULSES: Beans and pulses, such as lentils and chickpeas, are loaded with nutrients like calcium, iron and B vitamins and are also an excellent source of vegetable protein.
TOMATOES: Food such as tomatoes, watermelon and papaya are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
OMEGA-3 FISH OILS: Studies have shown that those women who had the highest intake of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, pilchards and tuna, also had a 14% reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
OLIVE OIL: Extra virgin olive oil is filled with antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytonutrients. Antioxidants reduce the harmful effect of oxidation (which increases levels of free radicals that are known to cause cancer in the body.)
FLAXSEEDS: Flaxseeds contains lignans which are a primary source of phytoestrogens, which acts as an antioxidant.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES: In general, fruit and vegetables have a preventative effect against all cancers, as they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamins C, E and folate.
This blog is a summary of information from the following source:
Foods proven to help prevent breast cancer. An article by Vicky Hadley, published online, 03.10.15, on healthista.com
HEALTH INSIGHT
MARCH 2017
