The Top 8 Foods to Consume for Breast Cancer Prevention

By Vera Viner

We all know that staying at a healthy weight is a major part of reducing our risk of breast cancer. Along with exercise, this means that we must incorporate a healthy diet in our daily lives. What type of foods should we eat to keep ourselves at low risk of breast cancer? Below is a list of the top 8 foods that prevent breast cancer.

1) Berries. Two of the most nutritious types of berries you should have in your refrigerator include blueberries and red raspberries. According to the websiteHealwithfood.org, clinical studies have found that raspberries may help prevent breast cancer possibly because of its high levels of ellagic acid, an anti-carcinogen. This chemical has even caused apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells. Fox News reported that blueberries are full of antioxidants and are able to reduce the risk of diabetes and lower cholesterol levels.

2) Broccoli. This super-food has plenty of antioxidants and other compound that fight carcinogenic toxins and reduce DNA mutation as well as malignancy. Additionally, broccoli can bring about apoptosis of breast cancer cells and stops the spread of breast cancer throughout the rest of the body. Broccoli has plenty of vitamins A, B6, and K along with folic acid, calcium, and potassium. This vegetable also has powerful chemicals that prevent cancer. In general, broccoli should be part of every woman’s diet for keeping their breasts healthy.

3) Walnuts. These nuts should be consumed in moderation due to a high calorie-count, but they offer significant health benefits and may prevent breast cancer. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants, which are all known to prevent breast cancer and other health problems. Make sure to eat some walnuts as a snack or add them to your salad for lunch!

4) Salmon. Because salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, it is a food rich in cancer-fighting properties. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can actually stop the growth of breast cancer cells. Studies show that this compound can also prevent inflammation, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease as well as strengthening your cardiovascular system. Salmon also has a particular antioxidant that gives it its pink color. Make sure to eat salmon about twice a week to avoid too much exposure to mercury and certain toxins. A moderate diet of salmon could go a long way to improving your health and preventing breast cancer.

5) Brussels sprouts. This particular vegetable has various benefits for your health and it includes the substance indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which can detox harmful chemicals like carcinogens. Additionally, Brussels sprouts have been shown to block the overproduction of some hormones that are associated with a higher risk for breast cancer.

6) Turmeric and other spices. Turmeric is the spice that provides a yellow hue to curries and other Asian dishes. This spice has been used to prevent various diseases in traditional Asian medicine, according to Health With Food. Turmeric has a wide range of anti-cancer properties and even contains a compound that can identify cancer cells and induce self-destruction of the tumors. Additionally, this spice is full of antioxidants and may even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Some other spices with health benefits include cinnamon and ginger. Cinnamon can lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar. Ginger reduces inflammation and strengthens digestive health.

7) Kale. There are few foods that have as many anti-cancer benefits as kale. This amazing vegetable has more beta-carotene than even broccoli. Research has shown that pre-menopausal women who consume a diet rich in beta-carotene (2 servings per day) reduce their risk of breast cancer by 17 percent! In addition, kale is rich in vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.

8) Green tea. This particular tea can do so much for your physical health. Not only does it promote weight-loss, but there is evidence that it can prevent several types of cancers. One property of green tea is catechins, which are highly protective against DNA damage. In addition, green tea can stop the actions of urokinase, an enzyme that causes metastasis in breast cancer patients.

By filling your kitchen with these cancer-preventive foods, you will be much healthier and have a very low risk of breast cancer. Please pass this on to your friends and family members. Let’s get the word out about breast cancer prevention!