Breast cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors. Some of these factors, such as age, family history, genetics, and gender, cannot be controlled. However, there are factors that individuals can control, which include smoking, not exercising, being overweight, and their diet. Some researchers maintain that diet could be responsible for 30 to 40 percent of all cancers.
For breast cancer survivors, some healthy behaviors may lower the risk of recurrence and improve survival. Others may not impact breast cancer survival, but are part of a lifestyle that may help protect against other cancers and diseases.
Tomatoes. They are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that not only gives tomatoes their redness but also protects against breast cancer by stopping cancer cell growth. The researchers show that the lycopene found in tomatoes may modify levels of adipokine hormones, which have been linked to obesity and inflammation. Your body absorbs lycopene best when tomatoes are cooked, concentrated or processed.
Carrots. They are a common ingredient in many juices, as they provide a flavor that pairs well with many other fruits and vegetables. Aside from taste, carrot juice may also provide numerous health benefits. Read on to learn some recipes and find out more about the potential health benefits and possible risks of drinking carrot juice.
Broccoli. Past research has suggested that sulforaphane – a compound present in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables – can help to prevent cancer or slow its progression. Cruciferous vegetables contain high amounts of compounds called glucosinolates. When eaten, they convert to other compounds called isothiocyanates and indoles that have been shown to have many anti-cancer properties.
Onions. Onions, garlic and other members of the allium genus, such as leeks, chives, scallions and shallots, have been shown to have antimicrobial, radioprotective, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic and hypoglycemic effects, as well as improving immune function.
Apple. Eating an apple a day may help guard against breast cancer. While one might not think there’s anything special about the apple, based on it’s relative inexpensiveness and year-round omnipresence at the local supermarket, this humble fruit is a great example of a anti-cancer food and fits well in our nutrition guidelines for breast cancer risk reduction.
Pear. Pears contain some dietary fiber, copper, vitamin C and vitamin K. Pears also contain phloretin, chlorogenic acid and quercetin. Pears have low antixodant activity compared to most other fruits and contain only low levels of compounds that have been associated with lower risk of breast cancer.
Arya Williams