“Think about breast cancer. It can take seven years for breast cells to go from pre-cancerous to cancer, to a cancer that’s palpable. – Dr. Carolyn Runowicz.
Breast cancer is the disease that women fear the most. They have fears of mammograms, fears of treatments, fears or recurrences, fears of dying…and so on.
The malignant tumor in the breast tissue often spreads to other organs if not arrested in time.It is the most prevalent cancer among the fairer sex and afflicts women of all races, ages, socioeconomic strata, and geographic areas and approximately one in every 100 women is susceptible to the disease in her lifetime.
While there are some risk factors, such as family and genetic history that have no control, there are many effective strategies that can cut the breast-cancer risks dramatically.
Livepunjab showcases 8 foods that have the potential to help keep breast cancer at bay.
1. Green Tea
Green tea touted for multiple health benefits also has anti cancer properties. Its potent antioxidant epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is highly effective in inhibiting breast cancer growth.
2. Crunchy Vegetables
Fight breast cancer by adding dark leafy greens like broccoli, cabbage, sprouts, kale, spinach to your daily diet. Dark leafy greens contain powerful anti-cancer compounds known as indole-3-carbinol which deter tumor growth.However, excess boiling, overheating, and continuous washing of vegetables reduce their natural healing capacities.
3. Garlic
The sulphur compound that gives garlic its strong flavour protects against breast cancer by neutralizing carcinogens and slowing tumor growth.Studies have established that women who consume garlic at least once a week have a lower incidence of breast cancer.
4. Flaxseed
This tiny wonder food contains cancer-fighting compounds called lignans which join with the bodys natural estrogen to work against the malignancy.Flax has the potential to kill breast cancer cells and prevent secondary tumors by halting the growth of new blood vessels.
5. Oily Fish
Consumption of mackerel, sardines, trout and salmon have all been linked to a lower incidence of breast cancer. Oily fish contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that inhibit the growth of cancerous tumours, block inflammation, improve blood flow characteristics and enhance response to chemotherapy.
6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, in any form, are a potent weapon against breast cancer. Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful anti-inflammatory cancer-fighting antioxidant.
7. Parsley
Add a lot of parsley to your diet. Apigenin, a compound in parsley can stop certain breast cancer tumor cells from multiplying and growing.Remember, the antioxidant capacity of parsley is enhanced when it is used in soups or stews (i.e., when it is boiled) but is reduced when grilled or fried.
8. Mushrooms
Fungal foods win hands down in the fight against cancer. Mushrooms contain substances that suppress the effects of aromatase, a natural enzyme that helps synthesize the hormone estrogen, which in turn cuts the risk of breast cancer.
Prevention is the key! Now that you have a nutrition action plan, start your battle against the lethal disease.
