If you or your lady friend have not started as yet, maybe now is a good time to start nourishing your breasts. As we are well aware, Breast Health is important still today and with one of the most common cancers in women.
Reports indicate generally, that one in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime with breast cancer. Understanding this statistic can be frightening, but there is hope. Incorporating certain foods into your diet can also work to reduce some of the the risk of breast cancer and promote overall breast health. Here, we highlight five superfoods that can play a significant role in your journey toward wellness. Of course there are more but at least to get started we work with the following foods.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are those tiny powerhouses jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans. These nutrients have been shown to help reduce tumor growth. Research suggests that flaxseeds may play a role in balancing estrogen levels in women, linking them to lower breast cancer risk.
Adding flaxseeds to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods is an easy way to boost your diet with this nutritious seed. Additionally you can also consume these seeds whole or grounded or in flaxseed oil. If possible consult with your dietition how much you should take on a daily basis and be mindful of any interaction with current medication as well.
It is the lignans in the seed which can influence the estrogen receptors. In some studies, paring the flaxseed with some breast cancer meds such as tamoxifen acted to inhibit the growth of those estrogen-receptor-positive or ER-positive breast cancer.
Have a chat with your medical doctor.
Berries – The Antioxidant Pack
Berries, particularly blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are laden with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, blueberries are know sources of compounds which have cancer fighting potential. There are micro-nutrients in them which have been seen to enhance breast cancer treatment as well.
Antioxidants are crucial in protecting your body from oxidative stress.
It is this oxidative stress, which can lead to cancer cell development, so every bit of help in reduction of this can be a good thing. Not only do berries support immune health, but they can also help combat inflammation.
A great way to enjoy these fruit are in their fresh form or even blended into your favourite smoothies, or as a topping for yogurt and salads.
Leafy Green Veggies
Vegetables such as Spinach, Kale, Collard greens, and Swiss chard are all rich in vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins. These type of vitamins are well-known for their cancer-preventative properties. Leafy greens also contain antioxidants and fiber, contributing to a healthy digestive system, which can help eliminate toxins from the body.
There are some studies which exist on looking at the direct impact of these type of vegetables on cancer cells.
Generally these leafy greens also supply magnesium, maganese, iron, folic acid and potassium, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids. These all work to ensure there is maintenance, improvement and regulation of the human tissue cells. This is good to act as a measure in the fight.
Additionally the major antioxidants of carotenoids and polyphenols as well as these veggies containing some of the most SQDG (sulfoquinovosyl diaclyglycerol) and MGDG (monogalactosyl diacylglycerol). Having such a high amount of these substances are seen to inhibit the activity of mammalian replicative pols and work to reduce the growth of human cancer cells.
Hmmm… Try incorporating leafy greens into your diet. How about with salads, smoothies, or lightly sautéing them as a side dish?
