Breast Cancer Awareness: Food Choices
by Denise Austin |
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Nutrition
Hi Everyone! This month, we are going to take a look at breast cancer - something I touched on in my post about my niece, and her breast cancer story. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to devote some time to helping us all understand how our lifestyle can help us to possibly lessen the risk of breast cancer, but also how it can help those who have been diagnosed to keep their bodies as healthy as possible throughout treatment. WE CAN DO THIS! Share my posts this month with all the people in your life who have been affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness
When it comes to eating, nutrition can play a large role in the chances of developing breast cancer. Because breast cancer does have a hereditary component, making sure your diet is healthy is especially important if you have a family history of the disease. Try these nutrition suggestions to help lessen your risks of breast cancer:Add To Your Diet:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add oils that contain monounsaturated fats, such as a extra virgin olive oil, to your diet. Olive oil is my oil of choice for cooking and eating because it has antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer and promote heart health.
- Whole Soy Foods. Tofu, tempeh and edamame all contain compounds that may help lower the risk of cancer.
- More Fresh, Whole Produce! In general it's good to have plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet, but when it comes to cancer, make an extra effort to eat more vegetables from the cruciferous family, like broccoli and cauliflower. These contain phytonutrients that have anti-cancer benefits.
- Omega-3 Rich Foods. These foods, such as salmon and flaxseed, provide omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Alter Your Diet To:
- Minimize Too Much Fat. You should try to avoid hydrogenated oils such as margarine, animal fats, and vegetable oils that are polyunsaturated fats - all may increase cancer risks.
- Limit Your Alcohol Intake. Alcohol is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, so make sure you choose sparkling to water to toast with, or keep your alcohol limit to one drink per day, maximum.
- Focus On Organic, Hormone-Free Meats. This includes poultry, eggs, and dairy products - only choose varieties that explicitly say "raised without hormones" or "hormone free."