No food has the ability to eliminate the risk of cancer since it depends on multiple factors. However, some foods are believed to have properties that could help reduce that risk.
There is no totally effective way to prevent breast cancer from developing. What we can do is reduce the risk of developing it, through adequate food and a healthy lifestyle. This, of course, does not eliminate the danger, but it does reduce it or allow us to be stronger if the disease occurs.
No food can cure cancer, but this does not mean that diet is not a decisive factor. A well-nourished woman better resists the side effects of an eventual treatment for breast cancer and has greater recovery capacity after it.
Several investigations are currently underway on the relationship between diet and breast cancer. There are still no conclusive data, but some very suggestive evidence. They tell us about some foods that should be included in the diet to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of breast cancer. They are as follows.
Fruits and vegetables
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer provides us with interesting data. They point out that in an investigation carried out with almost 100,000 women, it was found that those who consume fruits and vegetables have an 11% lower probability of suffering from breast cancer.
The women in this research ate 5.5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This equals one cup of raw or cooked vegetables and one cup of fruit daily. Likewise, those who had this type of diet and developed breast cancer had less aggressive tumors.
On the other hand, there are some data that suggest that the high consumption of vegetables and fruits in the Mediterranean diet contributes considerable amounts of polyphenols and fiber, both suggested to prevent carcinogenesis.
Legumes, a very nutritious food
Healthy digestion is one of the pillars of good health. And to have healthy digestion it is essential to consume a good proportion of fiber daily. Fiber helps food move more quickly through the digestive system.
The vegetables are foods rich in fiber. That is why it is advisable to include grains such as chickpeas, peas and beans in the diet. Lentils deserve separate mention, as they are also high in antioxidants. It is recommended to consume a cup, twice a week.
Foods with beta carotene
Beta-carotene is a type of pigment that is present in some plants. It is what gives some fruits and vegetables an intense color, in shades of yellow and orange. Most importantly, the body converts beta carotene to vitamin A.
In turn, vitamin A is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, and has a decisive influence on growth and development. The main foods that contain it are carrots, red peppers, squash and sweet potatoes. Also fruits such as orange, papaya, peach and tangerine.
According to some studies, there is an association between the consumption of beta-carotene with a reduction in the risk of breast cancer. However, further studies are necessary.
Foods with polyphenols
The polyphenols are some micronutrients with antioxidant activity in the body. They help protect the cells of the body from damage caused by so-called free radicals. In other words, they help each cell to perform optimally.
Polyphenols also increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This means that they act as prebiotics. They are in spices such as cloves, mint and anise, among others. Also in capers, black olives, dark chocolate, berries, hazelnuts, etc.
Allium compounds
Foods such as garlic, onion, leek and chive are grouped under the name of Allium. According to the oncologist Natàlia Eres, there are epidemiological studies in which an association has been found between the consumption of vegetables of the Allium genus and a lower risk of cancer. This includes breast cancer, of course.
Specifically, there is evidence that foods of the Allium genus reduce the bioactivation processes of carcinogens. Also, the red onion has a high content of quercetin, which produces the same effects.
Foods with lycopene
The Lycopene is another of those antioxidants. It has been established that it influences carcinogenic metabolism, inducing the activation of certain enzymes. So the foods that contain it could help reduce the risk of breast cancer, but more research is needed.
It is mainly found in red tomato. Experts advise consuming the tomato raw or cooked in olive oil. Lycopene is found to a lesser extent in watermelon, guava, squash, red pepper, grapefruit, and carrot.
As we mentioned at the beginning, no food has the ability to eliminate the risk of cancer, since it depends on multiple factors. However, some foods are believed to have properties that could help reduce that risk.