The Simple Act of Eating Prevents Breast Cancer

Welcome to Part 4 of our National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Series. Throughout this week, we have been sharing the latest in technology, recovery and prevention. In Part 3, we learned the importance of nutrition for breast cancer recovery. In this edition, we’ll explore how adding a few powerhouse foods to the menu might prevent breast cancer from ever developing.

Eat your way to a lower cancer risk

It’s true, women can lower their breast cancer risk by including the right foods in their daily diets. Actually, women can cut their chances of developing breast cancer by as much as two-thirds with good nutrition, according to Cheryl L. Rock, Ph.D., R.D., professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine.

Healthy proteins may thwart breast cancer, while plentiful produce packs a hefty punch against the disease. Even certain beverages and oils may lower the risk of breast cancer. According to Dr. Rock, here are some of the top breast cancer prevention foods:

• Broccoli – Sulforaphane in this green wonder food has been proven in studies to help reduce the number of breast cancer stem cells.
• Salmon – Omega-3 fats in this fantastic fish help reduce inflammation, which may contribute to breast cancer.
• Olive Oil – Antioxidants and oleic acid in this savory staple have been found to reduce the growth of malignant cells.
• Parsley – More than just a pretty plate garnish, this herb inhibits cancer-cell growth.
• Coffee – Liquid lightning gives more than just a quick jolt of energy – its kick of antioxidants my lower the risk of an aggressive form of breast cancer.
• Plums & Peaches – This dynamic duo has antioxidant levels that knock out breast cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells intact.
• Beans – Beans are a gold mine of fiber, and for every 10 grams of fiber a woman adds to her daily diet, her risk of breast cancer is decreased by 7%.

Just by enjoying these simple staples, women can decrease their chance of ever developing breast cancer. In Part 5 of our series, we’ll explore that while food has a major influence on reducing a woman’s risk of breast cancer, so does the way she lives.