We all know to stay away from cigarettes to prevent lung cancer and to stay away from the sun to prevent skin cancer. However, there are many ways to help prevent breast cancer through your diet. Foods full of antioxidants and if they are considered to be superfoods can really help fight diseases like breast cancer. We know it’s important to get yearly mammograms, but eating a really healthy diet can be the key to breast cancer prevention.
“New studies have found that eating a plant-based diet, low alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy body weight significantly reduces the risk for breast cancer,” Sarah Mirkin, RD a registered dietician and nutritionist tells Bustle over email. “Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals which protect the body from cancer growth. These foods are also anti-inflammatory, which reduces cancer risk.” *
Try adding these foods to help keep you strong, healthy, and it will help prevent breast cancer.
- Berries-“Berries are rich in ellagic acid, an antioxidant that destroy cancer causing substances and slow tumor growth,” says DR. Mirkin.
- Cruciferous Vegetables-These veggies contain phytochemicals called glucosinates that activate protective enzymes in the body that help fight off cancer. “These phytochemicals also shift estrogen metabolism so that it doesn’t drive breast cancer,” says Mirkin.
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Sweet Potatoes-“Orange fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant, may protect cell membranes from toxin damage and slow the growth of cancer cells,” says Mirkin. Sweet Potatoes are full of carotenoids that help prevent cancer.
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Apples-Apples are full of antioxidants and they fight off free radicals. It’s also anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the size of a tumor.
- Fish-Fatty fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation in the body, according to WebMD. “Studies suggest inflammation is linked to breast cancer,” says Mirkin.
*Quotes from Bustle.com