Foods That Fight Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, however, it can occur in men, too. While there is no guarantee that any food, treatment, or procedure will cure breast cancer and prevent a re-occurrence, there are specific dietary steps that can help the body fight, recover from, and prevent cancer growth. Here, a selection of foods that are known to fight breast cancer.

*Click on the highlighted foods in the article which link to a delicious recipe on this site!

The Leafy Green Vegetables

• • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Swiss chard
  • Endives
  • Cruciferous vegetables such a Broccoli (a personal fave)

According to a Chinese study, research showed that women who ate high amounts of cruciferous vegetables had a 35% higher survival rate and the chance of recurrence was decreased by 35%. Included in the list of Foods That Fight Breast Cancer:

• Cabbage
• Turnip
• Brussels sprouts (love!)
• Cauliflower
• Kohlrabi
• Bok choy
• Rapini
• Watercress (YUM!)
• Collards
• Kale
• Rutabaga
• and, Celery
• Parsley (Italian preferred for recipes)
• Fennel
• Carrots
• Parsnip

Fresh Fruits

When it comes to which foods to choose from, think of bright, colorful foods.

• • • • • Kiwi
        • Blueberries
        • Blackberries
        • Raspberries
        • Papaya
        • Mango
        • Red Bell Peppers (yellow and orange, too!)

      Red bell peppers contain bioflavonoids which are plant pigments. These pigments have been shown to help prevent cancer causing cell damage. They promote strong cell formations. They are a friend to vitamin C and other antioxidants which work together to enhance the cell protectors. There are many other foods rich in bioflavonoids. Among them, raw garlic, Brussels sprouts, lemons, limes, and kohlrabi which is a cousin to cabbage.

      High Folate Foods

      • Lentils
        A legume, studies show that women with a diet high in folate have a 44% lower risk of developing breast cancer. The suggested amount is 400 micrograms daily. One cup of lentils contains 358 mcg of folate.
      • Mustard greens
      • Beets and Beet Greens
      • Asparagus
      • Citrus Fruits

      

      Mushrooms : A Class of Their Own

      Many moons ago, a little birdie tweeted in my ear that mushrooms have no nutritional value. Perhaps it was a family member who wanted to get out of having to eat mushrooms at dinner. Or, maybe this person really thought that. On the surface, mushrooms do appear sort of ordinary. However, mushrooms are extraordinary!

      Some people refuse to eat mushrooms because they are a fungi. Yet, mushrooms are our nutritional friends. Mushrooms contain a high water content. They are high in fiber and I am a HUGE fan of dietary fiber. Mushrooms are also rich in plant compounds that naturally impact our health.

    • Shitake
    • Reishi
    • Morel
    • Cremini

    Cremini mushrooms have a neutral flavor. And, like most all mushrooms, they absorb and enhance the other flavors in the recipe.

    A Category All Their Own

  • Sweet Potato
  • Radish

    

    If you have a friend or family member who is battling breast cancer, hug them, love them, encourage them, and cook dinner for them using cancer fighting foods. There are many breast cancer awareness programs to donate to, friends to support in their breast cancer walks… any donation, large or small, makes a difference in the lives of many.