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There are really no foods which we can point out to cause breast cancer, what we have are foods that can increase the risks or worsen the conditions and foods that can help to tackle it. We know this would be very helpful to you, that is why we have come up with the list of foods that can help you prevent and fight breast cancer.
Apart from choosing the right foods to eat, there are other things which can help you prevent breast cancer. We have detailed them in a previous article titled “How to prevent breast cancer“.
Please read that article first to understand in details all you need to do to prevent this terrible disease.
Foods that can help you prevent and fight breast cancer
1. Fruits and vegetables
It has been proven after a research that fruits and vegetables could help to reduce the risk of having breast cancer by 15%.
Fruits in the Berry family such as raspberries, blackberry and blueberry are rich in ellagic acid. This ellagic acid has the ability to stop the growth of cancer blood cells. The ellagic acid also contains some anti-estrogen properties, which can help you fight certain breast cancers.
Leafy green vegetables such as kale, broccolli and spinach are good in helping you fight against breast cancer.
2. Garlic
Garlic comes with a known strong taste and aroma. It helps spice you food and gives it a good taste but the benefits of garlic are more than that. Garlic provides plenty nutritional benefits and can help you prevent and fight breast cancer.
A 2017 research which studied garlic effects on breast cancer cells found it’s positive effects on both estrogen-independent breast cancer and estrogen dependent.
3. Beans
Beans contains high level of protein which helps in rebuilding worn out tissues of the body. They are also high in folate, fiber, antioxidants, lignans and saponins.
Lignans and saponins are know to have cancer fighting properties, they are polyphenols
4. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin which posses strong antioxidant qualities and can help to fight against inflammation.
Studies carried out showed that curcumin can help you reduce the poisonous effects of some breast cancer cells and can stop the growth and spread of this cells in the body.
5. Fresh and dried chilli peppers
Fresh and dried chilli peppers contains a substance known as capsaicin. Capasaicin is also known to help people relieve pain in other parts of the body.
A research in 2016 discovered that capsaicin could help in prevention of the growth and stop the spread of breast cancer cells in people.
The hotter the pepper is, the more capsaicin contained in it.
6. Fish
Fish such as sardines, herrings, salmons which have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can help you fight and prevent breast cancer.
If you have dense breast or you’re slight fat or overweight, omega-3 fatty acids in your foods can help you make your breast tissues less dense.
Breast cancers are known to affect women with dense breasts more.
7. Carrots, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes
These foods contains beta carotene, a substance which is known to lower the risk of breast cancer. They are also high in lutein, vitamin A and lycopene.
8. Walnuts and flax seeds
Walnuts and flax seeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
9. Whole grains
Grains such as brown rice, barley, wheat, oats, corn are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They also contain some vitamins which can help to fight against breast cancer.
10. Green tea
Green tea does not only help with weight loss, it is also one of the foods that can help you prevent and fight breast cancer.
It contains high levels of polyphenol and catechins.
11. Other foods
Other foods which haven’t been mentioned are eggs, olive oils, onions, water melons etc.
Breast cancer foods to avoid
As earlier said, there are no foods found to be causes of breast cancer. However, research has shown that some foods may raise the risks.
These are foods to avoid if you are a breast cancer patients or if you want to prevent breast cancer.
1. Red meat
Some research have linked red meat to increase risks of breast cancer. The research suggests that you cook the red meat at high temperature, it can cause toxins release.
2. Fats
Foods containing unhealthy fats such as donuts, fried foods, crackers etc should be limited. You should go for foods with more healthy fats like some we mentioned which contains omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Sugary foods
You should cut out your sugar intake. It could be in soft drinks, sweets or fast foods.
Eat more of fruits and take more water.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol can reduce your risks of breast cancer as it increases the levels of estrogen.
In addition, reduce your intake of processed foods.
Conclusion
We may have omitted some foods that can help you prevent and fight breast cancer, but we are certain that if you add the mentioned ones to your diet, it will go a long way in helping you.
In conclusion, learn to keep yourself healthy at all times. Exercise regularly, eat good foods and always search for information. Scroll down and subscribe to our blog to get more of this healthy tips sent to your email.
