Eating cancer-fighting foods should be considered as they can help in a way to prevent the development of such health condition. Cancer is one of the diseases that has high mortality rate. It affects millions of people regardless of gender and age. The good thing is that the innovation of technology and the medicine can help to prevent or slow down the abnormal behaviors of cancer cells. But, do you know that there are also foods that fight the development of cancer particularly breast cancer? Here’s a list of breast cancer-fighting foods that you should include in your daily diet.
1. Leafy green vegetables
Leafy green veggies play significant role in any health diet as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Kale, spinach and collard are some of the green leafy vegetables that are known to fight cancer. These veggies are high in glucosinolates and inactive carcinogens that fend off metastasis and tumor formation, thus cancer cells die off. Juicing vegetables is a perfect way to obtain the nutrients that you should get.1
2. Flaxseed
Flaxseed is consumable as ground, whole seed or in oil form. It has high level of fiber, lignans and omega-3 that avert cancer cell formation. You can add flax to smoothie or yogurt or include flaxseed oil when making baked goods or salads. Studies showed that flaxseeds contain higher polyphenol antioxidants as compared to blueberries and olives. It doesn’t only prevent cancer cells formation but also cardiovascular diseases. Flaxseeds work well to hormone-related cancers including breast and prostate cancers.23
3. Garlic
Another food that is known to combat breast cancer is garlic. It has compound called allium that slows down the growth of tumor. It also prevents formation of various types of cancers including breast cancer.
If you want to enjoy a cancer-free life, you must include garlic and onion in your dishes. You can swallow a piece if garlic each morning to enjoy its health benefit.
4. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are rich in phytochemicals, fiber and selenium. It works to improve the immune system and prevent inflammation, thus fight growth of tumor. It is best combined with fruits or asparagus that is filled with chlorophyll.
5. Salmon
Consuming wild-caught fish like salmon is recommended as it has cancer-fighting effects and improves the immune function. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effect and supports healthy nervous, hormonal system and brain. This fish is also a great source of vitamin D and B12 that regulates cell growth. Studies showed that enough intake of omega-3 fatty acid can prevent cancer and reduces the symptoms of chemotherapy treatments.4
6. Pomegranate
This is highly recommended for breast cancer prevention because of its polyphenol content. Polyphenol contains ellagic acid that averts cancer growth. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice daily slows down if not prevent the progress of cancer.5
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the cruciferous vegetable that is rich in indoles and sulforophane. It is known for its powerful cancer cells killing effects and free radical scavenging abilities. Adding broccoli or any cruciferous vegetable in your diet can regulate cell growth and fight different types of cancer including breast, prostate, lung, lymphoma and bladder cancer.6
8. Peppers
Peppers contain nutrients and phytochemicals that help combat cancer development. Jalapeno and chili peppers contain capsaicin that deters the cancer cells’ growth. Likewise, green peppers are filled with chlorophyll that binds cancer-causing carcinogens present in the gut.
9. Green tea
Consuming green tea regularly can reduce the incidence of developing breast cancer. It’s because green tea contains phytochemicals that offers many health benefits and keep cancer at bay. Some epidemiological and clinical studies revealed that consuming green tea reduces cancer risks. It also averts the metastasis process, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, cell invasion and migration. The green tea has the highest concentration of catechin, polyphenolic compounds, gallocatechin and EGCG.7
10. Berries
Berries of any kind are filled with phytochemicals and antioxidants that are significant to reduce oxidation and formation of cancer cells in your body. Make sure to include some blueberries of any variety in your diet and enjoy its health benefits. Research showed that black raspberries contain more antioxidants, thus have more cancer-preventing properties. Aside from antioxidants, most varieties of berries are rich in vitamin A and C as well as gallic acid that is known to be a powerful antiviral and antifungal agent.8
Improving your diet is the best way to protect your body from cancer. Make sure to include in your diet those breast cancer fighting foods cited above. Aside from adding those foods in your diet, getting enough vitamin D and sunshine can also help to strengthen your body and immunity against diseases like cancer. Likewise, consuming essential oils like frankincense oil that is clinically proven to treat different types of cancer including breast and colon cancers. Aside from knowing the breast cancer fighting foods, it is also important to know the foods and beverages that you should avoid. You should remove from your list alcoholic beverages, refined carbohydrates, red meat and foods that contain trans-fat and saturated fats. Avoiding to eat too much can help reduce the risks of developing cancer. It also makes sense maintaining a healthy weight. If the BMI increases, the risks of developing cancer also increase. You should also avoid consumption of packaged and processed foods, instead consider cooking fresh ingredients.
Additionally, excess intake of sugar can also increase cancer risks and diabetes. Thus, it is recommended to reduce intake of starchy carbohydrates like bread and pasta. Glucose is the favorite food of cancer cells that’s why it should be avoided. Red meat should also be avoided as it is associated to developing cancer. With this, you should choose organic produce or poultry and vegetable-based proteins. Above all, excessive intake of alcohol won’t only damage your digestive tract but also cause liver cancer. Living a healthy life is the key to prevent developing cancer, hence prolongs your life span. If you love your life, add those cancer-fighting foods into your diet.
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