Breast Cancer and Diet: Foods that Fight Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Prevention Foods

It is a known fact that diet and nutrient rich foods play an important part in preventing ailments and leading a healthy life. But what exactly is the role of nutrition and healthy diet in preventing breast cancer? According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, it is not possible to prevent cancer with a single food component. However, research have indicated that a balanced diet comprising a combination of plant foods like beans, vegetables and whole grains can help to lower the risk of breast cancer to a considerable extent. Apart from the plant food sources, certain other nutrient-packed food components like oily fish and green tea also helps to fight different types of cancer including breast cancer both for prevention and during the treatment phase. Read to know the top super-foods that help to fight breast cancer:

Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and brussel sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins like vitamin K and vitamin C and are also rich in minerals like manganese and potassium. According to a research byThomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania, a dietary component found in cruciferous vegetables called diindolylmethane (DIM) helps to fight breast cancer by enhancing the cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel in human breast cancer cells. Apart from this, they also contain another cancer-fighting component called indole-3-carbinol which deactivates oestrogen in the body and thereby reduces the risk of breast cancer in humans.

Flaxseed for Breast Cancer Prevention: The role of flaxseed in preventing breast cancer is well known. The lignans present in flaxseeds are anti-estrogenic in nature and thereby helps to prevent estrogen-dependent cancers like breast cancer.

Oily Fish for Breast Cancer Prevention: Oily fish like tuna, sardines, salmon and mackerel are a must-have for reducing the risk of breast cancer. High in omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish particularly helps to reduce the occurrence of the most common form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma. Additionally, regular intake of oily fish products also helps to boost our immune system and thereby fight the growth of cancerous tumors in our body.

Pulses and whole meal products: Did you know that the presence of excess amount of estrogen hormones in our body can trigger the formation of breast cancer cells? This is because estrogens stimulate the excess division of cells in our breast tissue which, in turn, leads to cancer formation. So, to combat this, it is extremely important to include anti-estrogenic food products in our diet. This is why it is vital to have high amount of pulses and whole-meal products as they are a rich source of anti-estrogenic dietary fibers.

Pomegranates for Preventing Breast Cancer: Being a rich source of polyphenols and antioxidants, it is but natural that pomegranates can help to fight breast cancer. However, pomegranates have a unique cancer-fighting property. Ellagitannins, a phytochemical found in the fruit act as aromatase inhibitors which are an enzyme that inhibits estrogen dependent cancers like breast cancer.

Green Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention: Since ancient times, green tea has been used for its many herbal and medicinal benefits. This is because it is rich in potent antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. Many studies have indicated that consumption of green tea reduces the risk of cancer to a considerable extent.