Ways To Prevent Breast Cancer Through Food

According to statistics from 2020, breast cancer is the most common cancer, affecting about 2.3 million individuals worldwide. Despite the fact that genetics has a role in the development of cancer, lifestyle modifications, particularly dietary alterations, account for the majority of rising breast cancer cases. Read along to know in detail about breast cancer foods to avoid and foods that prevent and cause breast cancer.

Breast cancer and its symptoms

Breast cancer occurs due to the development of cancer cells in the breast region. Both men and women can acquire this kind of cancer. However, when compared to men, women are more likely to develop breast cancer. Below listed are some of the common breast cancer symptoms:

• A painless lump in the breast or close to the underarm area.
• A nipple that is inverted and nipple area soreness.
• Nipple discharge, including blood, that is not breast milk.
• Any alteration to the breast’s size or shape.
• Breast pain in any location. 
• Swelling or thickening of the breast region.
• A rash of redness on your breasts or nipples.

Foods that prevent breast cancer

1. Green leafy vegetables

Leafy greens such as arugula, bok choy, collard greens, dandelion greens, kale, spinach, mustard greens, swiss chard, and turnip greens are rich in carotenoid antioxidants, beta carotene, lutein zeaxanthin which enhances your immune system and destroys the free radicals that cause cancer cells. 

2. Berries 

Blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, and elderberries are rich in antioxidants, fight against inflammation caused by free radicals, are high in fiber, and are good for artery health. Berries are the best recommended fruits for breast cancer. 

3. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like grapefruit, clementines, kumquats, lemons, oranges, pomelos, and tangerines are a great source of fiber and a particular type of antioxidant that fight against cancer genes. They also contain flavonoids that include antiviral and anticancer properties.

4. Probiotics 

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for the human digestive system. Yogurt, buttermilk, cheese, tempeh, miso, natto, and kimchi contain probiotics that help the body fight against the absorption of toxins. 

5. Allium Vegetables

Onion, garlic, leeks, chives, scallions, and shallots are some of the easily available allium vegetables. These allium vegetables contain anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory properties that fight against various types of cancer and heart diseases. 

6. Walnuts 

Walnuts are a strong source of omega-3 fatty acids and include phytosterols, which are molecules similar to cholesterol found in plants. According to reports, walnuts aid in blocking estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, which causes a slowdown in cell growth.

What foods triggers breast cancer?

People cannot live their entire lives on just nutritious meals. Everything we eat won’t have an impact on our lives or health if we consume it all in moderation. Below listed are the breast cancer foods to avoid:

• Alcohol
• Fast foods
• Fried foods
• Canned foods
• Processed meat
• Refined carbs
• Added sugar

How can you prevent breast cancer naturally?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, engage in physical activity, keep a healthy weight in check, do breastfeeding, and restrict hormonal supplements or treatments that have a high risk of breast cancer.