We all know that a healthy diet can help keep your body fit, trim, and healthy, but there are some foods that can even help you to avoid breast cancer. Although there are other factors (such as genetics) involved in breast cancer, a little healthy eating can hardly hurt! The following seven strategies to cancer-free cooking might very well save your life-
Viva la produce. That's right, getting your recommended daily amount of fruits and veggies can help you to protect against cancer. They're chock-full of antioxidants, which are substances that fight against potentially deadly carcinogens. Studies show eating five servings of produce a day can reduce your risk of cancer. So try to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
Reduce fat. In addition to helping you keep your body slim, a diet low in saturated fat can potentially reduce your cancer risk. Indulge in some Calcium. Studies have shown women who have a sufficient amount of calcium in their diet significantly cut their risk of breast cancer. Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are not only tasty, but they're also extremely healthy. If you're avoiding dairy entirely, try eating almonds, calcium-fortified soy products, and leafy greens.
Add some flaxseed to your favorite foods. Flaxseed might not sound appealing, but it gives yogurt, cereal, and ice cream a wonderful crunch and texture. They're also a great source of lignans, a compound that inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependant tumors.
Drink in moderation. A little known fact about drinking is alcohol can raise estrogen levels in your body. This can interfere with the way in which your body uses folic acid, an essential compound that has been shown to prevent cancer.
Reduce your amount of grilling and barbecuing. Heterocyclic amines, compounds which are shown to cause cancer, form on your meat when you put it on the grill. Plus, when fat drips on the heat source, it forms another carcinogen that binds to your meat. Therefore, it's best to stay away from the barbecue, but if you can't resist the temptation, try cutting your meat into smaller chunks, which reduces the risk that these harmful compounds will form.
Increase your fiber intake. Foods rich in fiber contain essential antioxidants which protect your body against cancer.
Don't forget early detection is the best form of prevention. Make sure to get regular mammograms and perform self-examinations. Talk to your doctor to see what other proactive steps you can take to prevent breast cancer.
