Protect or fight against breast cancer with these eleven foods!

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Approximately one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.(1)  Whether you opt for conventional treatment or non-conventional, it is important to understand how food can help fight and protect against cancer.

Studies show these eleven foods are nutritional powerhouses that can help fight cancer!

  1. Mushrooms:  A 2010 study found that high intake of mushrooms is associated with lower risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women.  Mushrooms such as cremini, oyster, and shiitake contain antioxidant, L-ergothioneine that offers cancer protection.(2)
  2. Broccoli Sprouts:  Broccoli sprouts are high in sulforaphane.  A University of Michigan study found that sulforaphane targets and destroys cells that fuel tumor growth.(2)
  3. Pomegranate:  Pomegranate season is upon us, the arils or seeds of the pomegranate are a good source of ellagic acid.  This is a potent antioxidant that inhibits an enzyme that plays a role in breast cancer development.(2)
  4. Beans and Lentils:  A 2009 study analyzed the dietary patters of more than 3,500 Asian-American women and found that higher intake of lentils and beans was associated with lower risk of breast-cancer!(2)
  5. Walnuts:  Research from Marshall University School of Medicine found that two ounces of walnuts a day can halt the development of breast cancer tumors!  They found that the omega-3’s, antioxidants and phytosterols of walnuts help slow the growth of cancerous cells!(2)
  6. Blueberries:  Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a phytonutrient that has been found to halt the growth of breast cancer tumors and causes the cancerous cells to self-destruct.  If fresh blueberries are not readily available, frozen blueberries are just as antioxidant and nutrient filled as fresh!(2)
  7. Spinach:  A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that women with the highest average intakes of dietary folate had 40 percent lower risk of breast cancer.  The B-vitamin is necessary for proper cell division and stops change to DNA that may lead to breast cancer.  If seeking a good source of folate, try spinach!(2)
  8. Eggs or Choline:  Choline, an abundant nutrient found in eggs, is associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of breast cancer!  Other sources of choline include fish, poultry, pork, beef, broccoli and wheat germ!(2)
  9. Salmon:  Wild caught salmon contains significant amounts of vitamin D.  Research from Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital found that increased intakes of vitamin D was associated with 24 percent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer.  Vitamin D helps prevent cells from becoming cancerous.  Consider a good quality vitamin D3/K2 supplement if you are vegan, vegetarian or live in cold climate!(2)
  10. Whole Grain Rye:  Finnish scientists found that whole grain rye can help cut breast cancer risk!  The way the fiber, lignans, vitamins, minerals and physic acid work together make rye bread a good breast cancer fighter!(2)
  11. Squash:  Squash has high levels of carotenes that protect the body from cancer.  One study showed the association between beta-carotene and breast cancer and found that beta-carotene intake was strongly associated with reduced breast cancer risk.(3)

Mediterranean Diet reduces risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease!

Studies continue to pour in sharing the health benefits of the plant-based diet and Mediterranean diet.  The Mediterranean Diet consists of large amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, fish, legumes and olive oil.  Both the plant-based diet and the Mediterranean diet have shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease.  Food truly is medicine for our bodies! (4)

Breast cancer or any type of cancer does not have to be a hopeless diagnosis.  Invest in your health, boost nutrition and fight back!

Sources included:

(1) http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics

(2) http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/girlfriends-guide/10-foods-that-fight-breast-cancer

(3)  http://www.rawfoodlife.com/mattmonarch.html

(4) http://www.helpguide.org/articles/diet-weight-loss/mediterranean-diet.htm

Lynn Griffith
Lynn is a licensed therapist who enjoys cooking, creativity and enjoys helping other's learn how to care for their minds and bodies through healthy eating.  Lynn has wrote for The Raw Food World News and is currently in the process of building her own website focused on managing mental health through nutrition and wellness.