The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, resulting in the death of over 40,000 women every year. Certain cancer-fighting foods have the ability to stop breast cancer before it starts. Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals that destroy precancerous cells, Certain fruits and vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Oatmeal
"Cancer Center UK" reports that pre-menopausal women who eat at least 20 g of dietary fiber per day have a lower risk of breast cancer. When it comes to fiber, it's hard to beat oatmeal. "World's Healthiest Foods" reports that a single 1-cup serving of oatmeal contains nearly 4 g of fiber. Oatmeal can be easily combined with other high fiber foods such as blueberries, flaxseeds, and walnuts.l
Green Tea
The special nutrients found in green tea can kill off harmful breast cancer cells in test tubes, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Green tea is high in a unique class of nutrients known as catechins. Catechins may combat cancerous and precancerous breast cells. The UMMC claims that the connection between green tea and breast cancer in humans is not yet conclusive. However, it says that drinking three cups of green tea per day by women under 50 years of age may reduce their breast cancer risk.
Blueberries
Bellvue Medical Center reports that the antioxidants in blueberries may offset breast cancer risk. Blueberries can destroy cancer cells and prevent tumor growth, the physician claims. It recommends that women looking to lower their breast cancer chances eat about 100 g of blueberries per day. Blueberries can be used as a topping for low-fat snacks like parfaits and as part of a bowl of cereal.
Ketchup
It seems unlikely, but the topping to your veggie burger may be cutting your breast cancer risk, the UK "Daily Mail" reports. It claims that lycopene, the antioxidant found only in tomatoes and in high amounts in ketchup, combat breast cancer cells in laboratory studies. It appears that ketchup contains a more readily available source of lycopene than fresh tomatoes. While promising, no human studies have tied tomato ketchup consumption with breast cancer risk.
References
- "Centers for Disease Control": Breast Cancer Statistics
- "Cancer Help UK": Main food groups and breast cancer
- "World's Healthiest Foods": Oats
- "University of Maryland Medical Center": Green Tea
- "Canoe.ca": Blueberries can help prevent breast cancer
- "Daily Mail": Could tomato ketchup help cut breast cancer risk? Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-122625/Could-tomato-ketchup-help-cut-breast-cancer-risk.html#ixzz13MvFcF9y
