Breast cancer is a prevalent disease in women. Many causes might be responsible for breast cancer in women, but the primary ones are age, genetics, dense breast tissues, body weight, alcohol consumption, eating unhealthy foods, hormone treatment, etc. Some healthy foods for breast cancer can help prevent it in women, which they must include in their diet.
A healthy diet is required to keep your immune system healthy. It can only happen if you let go of some unhealthy eating habits and including eating proper foods. Breast cancer is treatable if it is in its early stages, but proper nutrition can help you prevent it.
Healthy Foods For Breast Cancer
1. Healthy Fruits
Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries contain many polyphenols and antioxidants that help prevent breast cancer. Plums and peaches also have many polyphenols that prevent the multiplication of cancerous cells and kill them. Most importantly, fruits are delicious, nutritious, and good for healthy wellbeing.
2. Green Vegetables
Dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, beet greens have many antioxidants, which are the potent active components for fighting against cancer. Other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., have antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, K, fiber, and glycosylates; they have potential anti-cancer properties. The beta carotene present in carrot lowers the risk of breast cancer.
3. Fiber-rich Foods
Dietary fiber supports eliminating estrogen-dependent breast cancers. High fiber-containing food such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables with good antioxidants content helps by keeping estrogen from interacting with cancer cells and accelerate the elimination of excess estrogen.
4. Fatty Fish
Coldwater fatty fish such as salmon and herring have decent content of healthy polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids appear to slow down or prevent the growth of breast cancer cells. Therefore, consuming fatty fish regularly may help decrease breast cancer risk.
5. Capsaicin-rich Foods
Dried and fresh chili peppers, both with a rich amount of capsaicin, prevent the growth and spread of malignant cells in cancerous patients. The hotter the chili, the more capsaicin content it has. Jalapeno peppers also contain capsaicin that helps in terminating breast cancer.
6. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most used household spices for its aroma and distinctive taste. Garlic helps prevent the growth of cancer cells and treat both estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent breast cancer. Garlic contains flavonoids (an antioxidant) and sulfur-containing S-allyl cysteine; both these compounds have anti-cancer properties.
7. Turmeric
The Indian cuisine spice with active component curcumin has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin helps by maintaining normal signaling and prevents the growth of cancerous cells. Turmeric protects the cell from oxidation and inflammation and keeps them away from turning cancerous.
Avoid These Foods To Prevent Breast Cancer
1. Red Meat
Studies show the link between red meat and breast cancer, and it suggests cooking meat at high temperatures releases toxins, which trigger breast cancer. Also, processed meat and cold cut are high in fat, salt, and preservatives that increase cancer risk.
2. Unhealthy Fats
Trans fat is one type of unhealthy fat usually present in processed food, such as fried foods, cookies, donuts, etc. Thus, try to limit its intake in your diet to prevent cancer and other health problems too.
3. Excess Sugar
Excess sugar is always a problem for the body’s health. Excess sugar consumption leads to the development of tumors in the mammary glands, which are more likely to spread. Avoid foods that contain sugar in your diet. These sugary foods also contribute to unnecessary weight gain.
4. Alcohol
Consuming alcohol regularly increases the risk of breast cancer. A report states that drinking alcohol increases estrogen levels in the body and causes further damage the DNA. Also, it can interact with the drugs you are taking for the cancer treatment.
Read Also: 11 Essential Tips To Prevent The Risk Of Breast Cancer
