Foods that help prevent breast cancer are mainly fruits, vegetables, soy and derivatives, and whole grains, as they are rich in antioxidants and phytoestrogens, which help regulate hormones and protect cells from mutations in the DNA.
Breast cancer is more common in women over 50, especially when there is a family history of this disease, but it can also occur in younger women and in men. So, here are 7 foods to include in the diet and prevent the onset of cancer:
1. Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in sulforaphans and glucosinolates, substances that function as antioxidants, protecting cells from changes in DNA at the time of multiplication. They also help to control apoptosis, which is the death program of the cells, when they have some defect or change in their functioning.
In addition to broccoli, other vegetables are also rich in such substances as cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.
2. Tomato Sauce
The tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants for the body and that has more proven effect in the prevention of cancer. It is a carotenoid known as pro-vitamin A, and gives red color to foods like tomato, red guava, watermelon, persimmon, papaya, pumpkin and red pepper.
It is more present in the tomato sauce because the heating of the tomato makes the lycopene is better absorbed by the intestine, enhancing its protective effect.
3. Beets and purple vegetables
The purple vegetables are rich in anthocyanins, substances that also act as antioxidants and that protect the DNA of cells against changes. They are present in foods like purple onions, purple onions, eggplant, radish, beets, as well as fruits like açaí, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, cherry, grape and plum. Learn how color feeding can improve health.
4. Chestnuts
Nut is rich in selenium, a nutrient that acts in the body as an anti-inflammatory and as a stimulant of the immune system, participating in several processes that improve the functioning of cells and energy production in the body.
In addition to breast cancer, selenium helps prevent liver, prostate and bladder cancer, and is also present in foods such as meats, poultry, and seafood.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in catechins, substances that act by stimulating cellular apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cells that have some defect in their functioning. In addition, catechins also appear to reduce the proliferation of blood vessels, thereby reducing tumor growth.
Catechins are also present in green tea and white tea, which are derived from the same plant as green tea, Camellia sinensis. See other green tea properties and how to prepare it.
6. Soybean
Soy and its derivatives, such as tofu and soy drink, are rich in substances called phytoestrogens, which resemble estrogen, a hormone naturally produced by women from adolescence.
Thus, phytoestrogens compete with the body's hormone, causing a better hormonal balance, preventing the development of cancer cells. An important tip to obtain these benefits is to prefer the consumption of organic soy, which is produced without pesticides and food additives.
7. Sea fish
Saltwater fish, such as tuna, sardines and salmon, are rich in omega-3, healthy fat that acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body. In addition, fish also contain vitamin D, which is linked to better regulation of hormones and prevention of breast, colon and rectum cancer. Learn more about the importance of vitamin D.
