Breast Cancer Diet

Knowledge of a breast cancer prevention diet is very important for every woman, as breast cancer is among the most common types of cancer, second only to lung cancer. In addition, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of death due to cancer. The incidence of breast cancer has also been increasing since the 1970s, and since this seems to be mainly due to lifestyle and dietary factors, it is essential to know what these factors are.

Diet and breast cancer

Diet is probably the most important factor in the development (or prevention) of breast cancer. Bad eating habits greatly increase your risk of developing cancer, while eating healthy can not only prevent its development, but help treat the cancer if it is still in its early stages.

Healthy eating of course involves the usual guidelines — a diet low in fats, rich in vegetables and fruits, with more complex carbohydrates rather than simple carbohydrates — but breast cancer diets must include the following foods or nutritional elements in particular:
Omega 3 fatty acids: These are a group of unsaturated fatty acids that have been found to reduce the risk of many diseases, while greatly improving bodily function. In particular however, omega 3 fatty acids drastically reduce the incidence of breast cancer and even seem to help control cancerous tumors. Today, a number of products are supplemented or “fortified” with omega 3 fatty acids, but the best sources remain foods that have them naturally. The best sources are fish, krill, and flaxseed.
Soy: Soy contains certain elements that block estrogen, thus protecting against breast cancer. Soy should therefore be incorporated into your breast cancer prevention diet in reasonable amounts. It is important not to overdo it, as there is also evidence that for some reason, soy has the opposite effect in post menopausal women.
Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain a number of elements that help prevent and fight cancer, and are an essential part of any breast cancer diet. Fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids, which contribute to a high plasma carotenoid concentration in the body — this has been found to greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer. In addition, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, fiber and several minerals and vitamins that keep the body functioning normally and optimally.
Whole grain food: Avoid white rice, white bread, and other such products containing unnecessarily processed food. Brown rice, whole wheat bread, cereal, and other whole grain products are excellent sources of fiber and other nutrients that help your body function optimally and keep estrogen levels under control; these should be an integral part of any breast cancer diet.

Submitted on January 16, 2014