October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For more than 20 years, the observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month each October has provided a time to reflect on loved ones who have won and lost the battle against breast cancer. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness toward finding a cure, including encouraging women to get a regular mammography screening.

We don't have to look too far in our own lives to find a family member, or a friend whose life has been touched by breast cancer somehow.

I did some research to see if there is a link between breast cancer and the foods we eat.  I found this information and wanted to share it here.

10 Super Foods to Fight Breast Cancer

Source: http://www.thebeehive.org/health/health-e-checkup/breast-self-exam-its-free-simple-and-lifesaver/10-super-foods-fight-breast-cancer

You may not have breast cancer today. But perhaps you have a family member or friend who is a survivor – all the more reason for you to think about prevention. By adding 10 power foods to your diet, you may decrease your risk of getting breast cancer in the future. Eat up!

 

1. Crunchy Vegetables

Broccoli may not win cool points with kids, but we love the supreme cancer-fighting power it wields. Grouped with cauliflower, brussel sprouts and mustard greens, all contain antioxidants and help to covert unhealthy estrogens into healthy ones.



Broccoli Apple Salad

2. Cherries

Pretty and perfect for popping into your mouth as a treat, cherries contain an alcohol that fights many kinds of cancer, including breast cancer. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidants.

3. Tomatoes

Whether diced, sliced, pureed, pasted or sundried, tomatoes are well-known for containing lycopene, a powerful, cancer-fighting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It's no wonder this garden vegetable is the most popular in the United States. Choose your variety (cherry, grape, heirlooms) and enjoy!



Simple Tomato Sauce for Pasta

4. Garlic

Strong in smell but wonderful as a seasoning for soups and sauces, garlic contains a group of compounds that work to kill bacteria and fungus, and stimulate the immune system. Research shows that breast cancer cells die when exposed to garlic in test tubes.



Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk, Tomatoes and Cilantro

5. Salmon

Studies show eating some fish twice a week is good for your health, especially if salmon is on the menu. Rich with fish oil, this super food contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, which research shows lowers the risk of breast cancer, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow characteristics, and may improve response to chemotherapy.



Salmon Patties

6. Turmeric

Very popular in East Indian dishes, this ginger-based herb, often ground into a yellow-orange powder, is mainly used for adding flavor and color to foods. Think curry-based dishes. As a health benefit, turmeric contains aromatic oils that demonstrate anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. It also protects against free radicals.



Butter Chicken without Butter or Cream

7. Soy

Vegetarians dig soy for its versatility and its usefulness as a protein source in place of red meat. But there’s more to soy than meets the eye. Soy also contains phytochemicals that are known to greatly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.



Soba Noodle Bowl with Cucumber and Cabbage

8. Green Tea

There’s no doubt you’ve heard about the many health benefits of green tea – for weight loss, age-fighting and skin protection, for example. Its potent antioxidants also discourage cancer cells from growing. Studies show that people who regularly drink green tea reduce their risk of many cancers, including breast cancer.

9. Flaxseed

This tiny wonder food contains cancer-fighting compounds that protect because of their ability to reduce the chances of cancer cells spreading. Flaxseeds are packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation in the body.



Healthy Power Bars

10. Berries

They’re yummy to eat, yes, but strawberries, blackberries and raspberries contain a common and powerful cancer fighter called ellagic acid. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries especially contain an abundance of antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of a number of cancers.



Mixed Berry Crisp for Two

I hope you will take some time during this month to think about how you can support Breast Cancer Awareness, and spread the word.

And if you have a few minutes, take this Prevention Magazine Quiz.  Maybe you don't know as much about Breast Cancer prevention and detection that you thought you did!