Breast Cancer Food

Breast cancer food includes green leafy vegetables, allium, and cruciferous vegetables, berries, citric fruits, beans, fermented foods, whole grains, fatty fish, herbs, and spices.

Breast Cancer Diet plan

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Dandelion tea
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Methi thepla with garlic-onion chutney
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Broccoli soup
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Brown rice with black beans curry and amaranth sabzi
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Walnuts, almonds, berries, and pumpkin seeds
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Ragi wheat pulka with creamy coconut lentil curry

Consult 19 years experienced Chief Nutritionist Vasanthi for expert advice and a personalized diet plan. In-person consultation at HSR, Koramangala, Bellandur, Haralur, and video consultation across India.

• Consultation INR 750
• 1 Week personalized diet plan INR 2000
• 1 Month personalized diet plan INR 4000
• 3 Months personalized diet plan INR 9000

Breast Cancer

The growth of cancerous cells in the breast is breast cancer. It usually begins in the ducts that produce milk.

Genetic mutations and damage in DNA may be one of the causes of breast cancer.

Breast cancer can be physically identified by the formation of lumps in the breast, tenderness, shape may change, and discharge of blood from the nipples.

Loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, and nausea are the general symptoms that accompany breast cancer. Early identification helps in increased survival rates.

Early stages of breast cancer can be treated with the help of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Advanced stages of the disease include surgical removal.

Necessary steps are to be taken to avoid the risk of the recurrence of cancer cells and to get rid of the remaining cancer cells in the body.

Imaging tests can be done to check the spread of cancer cells. The cancer cells primarily spread to the lymph nodes under the arm and then to the other organs and bones.

Breast cancer food list

Overall health can be improved and reduced risk of cancer can be achieved by changing food habits.

Following the Mediterranean diet helps in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Some specific foods also protect against this disease.

Breast cancer food green leafy vegetables

• Antioxidants and carotenoids are abundantly found in leafy vegetables.
• The higher the level of antioxidants in the blood the lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Moreover, folate present in green vegetables is found to protect against breast cancer.

Breast cancer food allium vegetables

• Onions, garlic, and leeks fall under the category of allium vegetables.
• These are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, sulfur compounds, and vitamin C
• High intake of garlic and onions helps in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer food cruciferous vegetables

• Some cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage lower the risk of breast cancer.
• The glucosinolate compounds get converted into isothiocyanates in the body.
• The isothiocyanates are found to have anti-cancerous properties.
• A higher intake of cruciferous vegetables was linked with a lower risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer food berries

• Antioxidants, Anthocyanins, and flavonoids found in berries protect against cellular damage and the formation and spread of cancer cells.
• A higher intake of berries, particularly blueberries lower the risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. Enjoy your favorite bowl of berries to keep breast cancer at bay.

Breast cancer fruits rich in Vitamin C

• Oranges, lemons, limes, kiwi, grapefruits, and tangerines are some of the fruits rich in vitamin C.
• Beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, folate, vitamin C, flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin, hesperetin, and naringenin have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, and antioxidant effects.
• A higher intake of citrus fruits is found to have a 10% reduction in the risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer food apples, pears, peaches, and grapes

• These fruits serve as a shield to protect against breast cancer.
• A woman who consumed 2 servings of peaches every week was found to show a 41% decrease in the risk of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.
• Apples, pears, and grapes contain flavonoids and anthocyanins that protect against breast cancer.

Breast cancer food beans

• Beans are extremely good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• The high-fiber content of these foods actively safeguards against breast cancer.
• A 20% reduction in breast cancer was observed in women who had a high intake of beans than those who consumed low amounts.

Breast cancer fermented foods

• Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, and miso are rich in probiotics and nutrients that protect against breast cancer.
• Reduced risk of breast cancer was noticed in people who consumed fermented dairy products like yogurt and kefir.

Breast cancer food whole grains

• whole grains such as millet, wheat, barley, brown rice, quinoa, and rye are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Including 1 serving of whole grains, each day is found to reduce the risk of breast cancer development.
• Whole grains can safeguard against several other cancers like pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, and stomach cancers.

Breast cancer food walnuts

• Walnuts have a lot of benefits and are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid.
• Adding walnuts and other nuts to the diet could protect against breast cancer.
• High consumption of almonds, peanuts, and walnuts 2-3 times a week reduces the development of breast cancer than those who didn’t consume any nuts.
• Eating 50 – 60 gms of walnuts every day showed some changes in the genes that control the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Breast cancer food fatty fishes

• Fatty fishes like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna are well-known for their omega-3 content.
• They are also rich in selenium, and antioxidants like astaxanthin that protect against breast cancer.
• Consumption of fatty fish or fish oils was found to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Eat more fatty fish and less refined and processed foods to reduce the prevalence of breast cancer.

Breast cancer herbs and spices

• The plant compounds such as polyphenols, antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins present in herbs and spices protect against breast cancer.
• Oregano contains antioxidants like carvacrol and rosmarinic acid which exhibit anticancerous properties against aggressive breast cancer cells.
• Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric is also effective against the development of cancer cells.
• Cinnamon was found to have a positive effect on the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
• Thyme, rosemary, ginger, and curry spice mixes can be widely included in the diet to avail their benefits.

Foods that shrink breast cysts

Cruciferous vegetables contain a compound called indole-3 carbinol that helps in the excretion of estrogen by the liver and blocks the growth of tumor cells.

Include foods rich in vitamin A in your diet. Breast tissues contain receptors for vitamin A that reduces the risk of harmful breast changes.

Dandelion leaf tea contains the diuretic required to reduce the swelling of the breast and its discomforts.

Fibrocystic breasts are a state in which a woman experiences lumpy breasts due to the presence of cysts. Sometimes, heat compress is sufficient to shrink the cysts.

Some small cysts may disappear themselves and some large cysts require draining out the fluid from the cysts with a fine needle.

Some of the restrictions on food can help in reducing cysts.

• Reduce the amount of sodium in the diet.
• Use fewer salts in the preparation of foods as it helps in reducing fluid retention and the size of the cysts.
• Avoid processed foods and saturated fats
• Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolates.
• Include high-fiber foods, berries, nuts, tomatoes, turmeric, olive oil, and spices.

Breast cancer food to avoid

• Caffeine Acrylamide, a byproduct formed due to the roasting of coffee beans is a Group 2A carcinogen that is to be avoided when having breast cancer.
• Uncooked or raw meat Uncooked meat like sausages and sushi is likely to increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Avoid raw or half-cooked eggs.
• Fast foods and fried foods Fast foods and fried foods not only increase the risk of breast cancer, but also other diseases like cardiac problems, diabetes, and obesity.
• Added sugars Increase the inflammation and release of certain enzymes that induce cancerous growth and spread of cancer cells.
• Refined carbohydrates increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Replace whole grains, fiber-rich foods, vegetables, and fruits in place of white bread, pastries, and baked goods.
• Avoid food left in unsafe conditions for more hours.
• Wash fruits and vegetables well before consumption.
• Do not use unpasteurized milk and its products.

Diet after breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy might have drained all your nutrients from the body.

It is crucial to follow a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.

• Go for more plant-based protein than protein derived from animal sources.
• Choose beans and pulses rather than turkey and lean meats.
• Add whole grains, pinto beans, kidney beans, soy products, and cruciferous vegetables to your diet.
• Include 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. The phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables help in preventing the recurrence of cancer after surgery.
• Munch on fresh or dried fruits for a healthy snack option.
• Low dietary fat to 10-20% of the calories.
• Choose low-fat or skimmed dairy products instead of full cream milk and its products.
• A low-fat diet can have short-term and long-term benefits in the case of breast cancer.
• Avocados and olive oil are rich sources of healthy fats to maintain overall health.
• It is also rich in monounsaturated fats.
• Make sure that only 30% of your daily calorie intake comes from dietary fats.
• Cut down the food rich in trans fats and saturated fats.
• Stay hydrated. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water to rehydrate the cells and flush out the toxins formed in the body.

Foods that prevent breast cancer

Turmeric against inflammation

A spice powder that attracts everyone with its color and flavor provides numerous benefits.

Curcumin contains anti-inflammatory properties that help in protecting against any type of cancer.

Turmeric along with pepper inhibits the growth of cancerous stem cells of breast cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables

The crunchy and green broccoli is another breast cancer prevention food.

The same effect is observed in other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

Eat one or more of these vegetables every day.

Garlic and onions

Garlic has a positive impact on cell cycling that does not happen when the cell is cancerous or has uncontrolled growth.

Allyl sulfide, a component found in garlic and onions helps in the regulation of cell cycling. Add onions and garlic to the diet to prevent the effects of breast cancer.

Apples and Pomegranate

The bright red color peel of the apples is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other compounds.

Apple peel can fight against cancer cells. So, add apples in surplus to the menu to prevent breast cancer.

Pomegranate contains a compound that fights against estrogen-dependent cancers.

Pomegranate is a healthy addition to the breast cancer prevention diet, either in the form of whole fruit or juice.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds contain anti-inflammatory properties that are also rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are a great addition to the cancer prevention diet.

Flax seeds are an anti-cancer nutrition choice that can be taken in the form of seeds as well as flour.

Milled flax seed flour contains lignans that reduce the growth of cancer cells. Choose ground flax seed powder or grind the seeds using a mixer.

Sprinkle this powder on salads and muffins for a healthier version.

Bright-colored fruits and vegetables

Carrots, beetroots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe are rich in carotenoids that seem to lower the risk of breast cancer.

Add a lot of orange, red, yellow, and dark green foods to the breast cancer prevention diet.

Sweet potatoes are rich in anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant that has been found to reduce the growth of cancer cells.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could be a part of the breast cancer diet.

The colorful berries reduce the growth of tumor cells and breast cancer cells.

Green tea

The catechins found in green tea have some role in the prevention of breast cancer. Green tea is found to be effective in slowing down the growth of tumor cells.

Best foods to eat for breast fibroids

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are fiber-rich that eliminate the excess hormones and toxins formed as a result of cancer treatments.

Other fibrous foods include fruits vegetables and whole grains.

Soy foods

Soy foods such as soybeans, tofu, tempeh, and miso contain daidzein and genistein which have a lower incidence of fibrocystic breasts. Soy foods are the least processed.

Edamame, fresh soybeans can be steamed and eaten right from the pods.

Women who consumed one cup of soymilk or half a cup of tofu daily showed a 30% lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Vitamin D

Increased intake of vitamin D may inhibit the growth of fibroids. Vitamin D may not shrink the fibroids but limits their growth.

Fishes such as salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna contain vitamin D which would be a healthier choice for healthy fats.

Apart from this, egg yolks, mushrooms, and vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk, cereals, oatmeal, and soymilk can be the option.

Estrogen hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

All breast cancers should be tested for positive or negative hormone receptors with biopsy samples or surgical removal of tumors.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC)is used to find out whether the cancer cells have estrogen and progesterone receptors. This test gives the status of the hormone receptors.

A tumor is hormone receptor-positive even if 1% of the cells have estrogen and progesterone receptors.

The growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is slow compared to hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.

There is a risk of recurrence of this type of cancer after many years.

Hormone receptors-negative breast cancer

Hormone receptors negative does not contain any estrogen and progesterone receptors. The growth of these cancers is much faster than hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Hormone receptor-negative breast cancer is common in women who have not experienced the menopausal stage.

Estrogen-dependent cancers

Breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer are some of the estrogen-dependent cancers that depend on estrogen to develop and grow.

Treatments help in the binding of hormone receptors to estrogen or can stop the body from producing estrogen.

Some of the factors which influence the development of estrogen dependant cancer are

• Obesity
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• High estrogen levels.

A majority of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive.

These cancers use estrogen/progesterone or both for the growth of these tumor cells.

Estrogen dependant cancers can be diagnosed with a biopsy test.

The growth of cancer cells occurs at a rapid speed due to the presence of estrogen or progesterone or both.

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