Superfood

As you know it’s national breast cancer awareness month. Every year this time I feel obligated to devote space in my blog to this important issue. First of all because I’m a woman. Unfortunately, one in eight women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. Secondly, several people I know and love have been directly affected by breast cancer. In some way, we’ve all been either directly or indirectly affected by it.

It is estimated that each year more than 220,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die. This is one of the most disheartening statistics for me because research indicates that many women don’t have to die. Despite the large amount of women diagnosed every year, more women are surviving.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990. This is partially attributed to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.

Another factor that impacts breast cancer diagnoses is prevention. There are are several simple recommendations to help prevent breast cancer, including nutrition.

So, I want to share with you 8 Super Foods to Prevent Breast Cancer:
  1. Tomatoes – Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the development of breast cancer by stopping cancer cell growth. A study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism indicates that a diet rich in tomatoes may help protect postmenopausal women from breast cancer. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, lycopene also stops tumor growth by interfering with abnormal cell growth. To enjoy the benefits, you can eat cooked, concentrated or processed tomatoes. However, the best option is to drink a half glass of tomato juice daily.

  1. Garlic -Studies have found that the sulfur compounds, flavones and flavonols present in garlic help in preventing breast cancer. To get the most benefits, peel and chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for about 15 minutes before cooking. You can also crush and swallow a piece of garlic every morning to increase your chance of living a cancer-free life. However, people on blood thinners and certain other medications should talk with their doctor before taking garlic supplements.

  1. Flaxseed – flaxseed and flaxseed oil are among the few sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which forms a protective shield against cancer cells responsible for breast cancer.

  1. Spinach  – spinach contains the antioxidant lutein that plays a key role in guarding against breast cancer along with mouth, esophagus and stomach cancer.

  1. Broccoli –broccoli contains cancer-fighting compounds known as indole-3-carbinol that help alter estrogen metabolism and suppress breast tumor cell growth. Eating one-half cup of broccoli daily can help protect against breast cancer. Raw broccoli supplies more health benefits than cooked broccoli.

  1. Blueberries —  blueberries are power-packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can aid in breast cancer prevention. The phytochemicals present in blueberries work together to prevent the growth and spread of various forms of breast cancer.To reap the most benefits from blueberries, eat them fresh instead of the packaged versions.

  1. Pomegranate – pomegranate contains natural compounds like urolithin B that suppress estrogen prevent the growth of hormone-responsive breast cancer tumors. Plus, it is packed with polyphenols like ellagic acid with antioxidant properties that reduce the effect of estrogen in promoting the growth of breast cancer.

  1. Walnuts – Walnuts contain many helpful nutrients which help your body fight inflammation and actually slow down the growth of breast cancer tumors. Marshall University researchers suggest that eating about two ounces of walnuts a day may help change the activity of multiple genes that contribute to breast cancer, thereby reducing the risk of breast cancer.

So, these are just a few simple foods you can incorporate into your diet to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. If you are a regular follower of my blog, then you know I’m a huge advocate for using food as medicine. Hippocrates – the father of western medicine – said it best – “Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”

Reference Links:

http://www.top10homeremedies.com/superfoods/10-superfoods-that-prevent-breast-cancer.html

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/  ]]>

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