One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. While there is no surefire way to prevent the disease, eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk. There are many foods that have been shown to help prevent breast cancer, including dark leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, fatty fish, allium vegetables, fermented foods, beans and herbs and spices. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these foods and explain why they are beneficial for breast cancer prevention. We’ll also discuss some foods and beverages to avoid if you want to reduce your risk of developing the disease. So, let’s get started!
Dark Leafy Greens
Making good grocery choices isn’t a magic solution, but studies indicate it can help. After all, when it comes to treatment for breast cancer, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And one food that should definitely be on your list of cancer-preventing grocery items is dark leafy greens. Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with nutrients that have been shown to help prevent breast cancer. These include vitamins C and E, carotenoids, folate, and calcium. They also contain phytochemicals, which are plant-based compounds that have been shown to protect against cancer. In fact, one study found that women who ate the dark leafy greens had a 14% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who ate the least.
Berries
Another food that can help prevent breast cancer is berries. Berry consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of the disease in several studies. This may be due to the fact that berries are rich in antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. In addition, berries contain phytochemicals like ellagic acid, which has been shown to impede cancer growth. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some berries to add to your cart. Some of the best include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are also a great choice when it comes to cancer prevention. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals like limonene and hesperidin. These compounds have been shown to protect against cancer. In fact, one study found that women who ate citrus fruits had a 21% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t eat them. So, add some citrus fruits to your diet and enjoy the many health benefits they have to offer.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is a powerhouse of health benefits. It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for cancer prevention. Omega-3s also improve mood and joint pain, aid weight loss, and reduce inflammation. They help to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke while increasing brain function. For women who are at risk of breast cancer, eating just three to four ounces of fish per week can reduce the risk by more than 50 percent. This is because omega-three fatty acids can stop the growth of cancer cells and promote cell death. The American Cancer Society recommends that women eat at least two servings of fish per week.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices not only add flavor to food, but they also have many health benefits. For example, ginger has been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can help to reduce the risk of cancer. Other spices like turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon have also been shown to have anti-cancer properties. By adding just a few of these spices to your food, you can enjoy both the flavor and the health benefits. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices in your cooking.
Allium Vegetables
Garlic, onions, and leeks are allium vegetables rich in nutrients such as organosulfur compounds, flavonoid antioxidants, and vitamin C. These could have potent anticancer properties. In addition, allium vegetables are a good source of fiber, which can help to reduce the risk of cancer. One study found that women who ate more than one serving of allium vegetables per day had a 36% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who ate less than one serving. So, be sure to add these healthy vegetables to your diet.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which are live bacteria that offer health benefits. Probiotics have been shown to boost the immune system, improve gut health, and reduce inflammation. They can also help to protect against cancer. In one study, women who ate fermented soybeans had a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t eat them. Other fermented foods include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles. And next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some of these healthy foods.
Beans
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They’re also low in calories and fat. And, most importantly, beans are a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that can help to protect against cancer. Beans like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are especially good for breast cancer prevention. This is because they contain a high amount of fiber, which can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, beans are a good source of folate, which is a nutrient that helps to protect DNA from damage. This is important because damaged DNA can lead to cancer.
Foods and Beverages to Avoid
In addition to eating healthy foods, it’s also important to avoid foods and beverages that can increase the risk of cancer. Alcohol is a major culprit. Just one alcoholic drink per day can increase the risk of breast cancer by up to 12%. And, the more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk. So, it’s important to limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether. Other foods and beverages to avoid include processed meats, artificial sweeteners, and sugary drinks.
There are many healthy foods that can help to prevent breast cancer. So, make sure to include these foods in your diet. And, if you can, avoid the foods and beverages that can increase the risk of this disease. By making these simple changes, you can lower your risk of breast cancer and live a healthier life.