When we talk about breast health, the topic of breast cancer is inevitable.
According to this survey, 1 in 19 women are at risk of developing breast cancer sometime throughout their lives.
While medical screenings and health check-ups play pivotal roles in safeguarding our future health, an often-overlooked ally in the battle against breast cancer is our diet.
While food is often to blame, food is also the cure. Or at the very least, a preventative measure.
Research has debunked the efficacy of miracle, ‘anti-cancer’ diets that claim to cure your cancer.
In this article, we will delve into the profound connection between antioxidant-rich foods and breast health, uncovering the compelling reasons why these nutrient-packed choices should become an integral part of your dietary regimen.
Join us as we explore the science, the benefits, and the delicious ways to nurture your breast health through the power of antioxidants.
The Truth about Breast Health and Cancer
One of the main reasons why antioxidants are touted as a miracle ingredient for healing and preventing cancer is its ability to protect the cells from damage.
Throughout our lives, are bodies are exposed to so many things that damage our cells; a majority of them being free radicals.
From the pollution that we breathe in, the chemicals that leach into our bodies, to the chronic stress that we deal with in our day to day lives and of course even to the food that we eat.
There are no shortages of environmental factors that can increase our risk of developing cancer, aside from uncontrollable factors like genetics.
Just like every other type of cancer, breast cancer is also caused by family history and poor health choices.
These two things create the perfect storm for cancer cells to thrive.
In a world that’s becoming more saturated with stressors, processed foods and substance abuse, it’s becoming easier and easier for us to develop cancer.
Aside from leading a calmer life, giving up smoking and exercising more, we can prevent cancer from ruining our health by changing how we eat foods.
And antioxidants are the top of that list.
The Power of Antioxidants
Antioxidants make up a huge portion of the human diet, and they are not just one nutrient but a whole family of chemical compounds designed to protect your cells from damage.
What makes them so effective in preventing cancer (and other medical conditions) is their ability to fight off inflammation, remove free radicals, and boost immunity, keeping our bodies in fighting condition well into old age.
These antioxidants include flavonoids, phenolic acid, polyphenols, betacyanin, lutein, zinc, selenium and of course vitamins C, A and E.
When you cut out processed foods, you’ll find that you’re already consuming adequate amounts of antioxidants even if your menu doesn’t consist of things like blueberries and avocadoes.
Both of which are expensive in Malaysia and not feasible at all as part of a daily diet.
In fact, you should look to our native, homegrown fruits for your daily dose of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Mangosteen, papaya, starfruit, banana and even durian.
However, not all antioxidant foods are equal. Some have more levels of antioxidants than others.
Blackberries for instance, have more antioxidants than strawberries or blueberries.
That said, there can also be too much of a good thing.
What you may not realise is that you can actually ‘overdose’ on antioxidants. Especially if you take supplements on top of an already antioxidant-rich diet.
Antioxidants for Breast Cancer Prevention
This may not be what anyone wants to hear but antioxidants do not cure or heal cancer.
In fact, taking too much antioxidants when you have certain types of cancers can actually make things worse.
There has been a worrying trend of brands and companies pushing antioxidant supplements to cancer patients under the guise of alternative healing.
But science has proven the opposite is true.
However, that does not mean that you should stop eating antioxidants altogether.
Because when you don’t have cancer, antioxidants are a powerful preventative measure against the disease.
They help remove free radicals from the body before they have the chance to create cancer cells.
So, if you’re interested in enriching your diet with more antioxidant foods here are some inexpensive options you can choose from:
- Cruciferous vegetables: particularly red cabbage
- Legumes: such as kidney or red beans
- Allium vegetables: garlic, onions, leeks
- Fruits: apples, oranges, lychee, guava (and those mentioned above)
- Root vegetables: beets, carrots and sweet potatoes
- Others: dark cacao, fatty fish, oregano, turmeric
But don’t rely on antioxidants alone to protect you from cancer.
A healthy, stress-free lifestyle where you do not smoke, cut out processed foods, and exercise often is just as effective in beating off all forms of cancer, not just breast cancer.
Combined with a diet rich in antioxidant rich diet, you’ll be sailing towards your sunset years without a single cancer diagnosis to speak of.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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