Behind heart disease, cancer is the second highest killer of American women. Breast cancer, in particular, is the most common. In fact, experts estimate that we may be able to prevent as many as 1 out of every 10 cancer cases simply by changing what we eat.
While no single food is guaranteed to keep you cancer-free, shifting your diet to include more of these foods that can help fight breast cancer would not hurt. Below, we have listed some of these nutritional stars.
1. Beans
But did you know they may also help you reduce your risk of breast cancer? Every 10 grams of fiber consumed daily, a woman’s breast cancer risk decreases by a whopping 7 percent! The authors speculate the fiber helps to reduce high estrogen levels in the blood, which are strongly linked with breast cancer development. One of the best high-fiber foods is beans. Navy beans, in particular, pack a solid 9.6 grams of fiber per half a cup.
Walnuts will also help you reduce your risk of breast cancer in two ways. For starters, this heart-shaped nut contains a vitamin called gamma tocopherol that stops the activation of Akt—an enzyme that is essential for cancer cell survival—without harming healthy cells. Walnuts also contain cholesterol-like molecules called phytosterols that can help regulate estrogen levels in men and women and even slow the growth of breast cancer cells by blocking estrogen receptors.
2. Garlic
That’s the process that is not functioning properly when a healthy cell becomes cancerous and grows uncontrolled. Credit for regulating this goes to the component of garlic called allyl sulfide. Allyl sulfides are found throughout the onion family, so adding garlic or onions to your recipes on a regular basis may aid in breast cancer prevention.
3. Eggs
Eggs are one of the most potent sources of an essential and hard-to-get—nutrient known as choline. This neurotransmitter building block is necessary for the structure and function of all cells, and a deficiency in this compound has been linked to neurological disorders and decreased cognitive function. Not only does it act as brain food, but it may also help lower your risk of breast cancer.
4. Broccoli
Crunch on a crucifer and help crush cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can help you beat breast cancer. That’s all thanks to these veggies containing an anti-inflammatory compound known as sulforaphane, which has been found to eliminate breast-cancer-causing chemicals and inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells.
5. Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. A review found that blueberries show promise as effective anti-cancer agents due to their ability to prevent pro-inflammatory molecules from being formed. They have been shown to prevent the beginning of cancer formation, and increase healthy cells’ ability to kill off dangerous cells.
6. Tea
Tea, especially green tea, is packed with polyphenols, a class of antioxidants with immense health benefits. One of those benefits includes anti-breast cancer properties.