Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How to Enhance Your Diet for Better Breast Health

Breast cancer is a threat to women everywhere. Chances are that you or a loved one has a breast cancer story you could share this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Although there are several factors that contribute to this disease – many outside of our control, such as genetics – there are some lifestyle changes that can make a difference towards enhancing breast health.

One of the most significant changes you can make is improving your diet. Yes, a generally well-rounded diet will likely cover all the basics in terms of nutrition, but did you know that specific foods provide micro and macro nutrients that promote healthy cellular growth? We’ll make things easy and provide our top suggestions for enhancing your diet.

Set Your Plate on Fire

Tomatoes, carrots, oranges - all of these fiery-colored fruits and veggies provide high doses of carotenoids. Women’s Health has cited a study that revealed women who eat more carotenoids are 20 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than women who didn't quite eat enough.

Eat Your Leafy Greens

When it comes to staving off cancer cell growth, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and Brussels sprouts have shown to do the trick. Additionally, they do wonders to balance estrogen levels, a contributing factor in developing breast cancer. Only eating your leafy greens once and a while doesn’t cut it though, so make sure you get at least one serving of greens every day.

Fend Off the Vampires

Garlic may play a key role in the process of keeping healthy cells from becoming cancerous.  Why? Garlic contains allyl sulfides, which are known to positively affect cell cycling.

Build Your Anti-Oxidants

Berries are one of the best sources of anti-oxidants to keep your cells healthy and happy. Blueberries in particular are an essential super-fruit, packing the vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants that studies have shown can better your chances of remaining cancer-free.

What foods are you implementing in your diet to enhance breast health?  Tell us in the comments!

References

http://www.everydayhealth.com/breast-cancer-pictures/foods-for-breast-cancer-prevention.aspx

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/breast-cancer-nutrition

http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/health_blog/9_foods_to_eat_for_better_breast_health