Breast cancer, a cancerous tumor inside the breast, is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin cancer among women in the United States. It affects one in eight women in their lives. Breast cancer is a hormone-influenced cancer. Researchers believe that foods that contain phytoestrogens, may be helpful in the battle against breast cancer.
Flax Seed
Flaxseed, an edible seed of the flax plant, has shown beneficial effects on breast cancer in laboratory animals. It contains alpha-linolenic acid that raises the body serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fats, which may exert cancer growth inhibitory effects on human breast cancer cell lines, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center and Iowa State University.
Tomatoes
Lycopene, a carotenoid that is present in tomatoes, can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Lycopene has the important antioxidant function of quenching cell-damaging free radicals that can initiate breast cancer process, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Soybeans
Regular intake of soy foods may delay the development of early stage breast cancer because they contain isoflavones which are weak estrogens, according to the Cornell University. Although the actual mechanism of action is unclear, soy isoflavones may aid in the recovery of breast cancer tumors by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in breast cancer cell lines, the Cornell University reports.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Indole-3-carbinol, a naturally occurring chemical derived from cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, turnip and mustard, has been found to significantly decrease human breast cancer cell lines, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. The effect of indole-3-carbinol on breast cancer may be through cell cycle arrest. Nutrition experts recommend adults get at least three or more servings of cruciferous vegetables per week to address their breast cancer problems.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Cornell University: Estrogen & Breast Cancer Risk: Factors of Exposure
- Iowa State University: The Health Benefits of Functional Foods
- University of Michigan Health System
- OncoLink: Breast Cancer: The Basics
- Net Wellness: What can I do to be healthy?
