Did you know that 1 in every 8 women suffers breast cancer? This count cannot be changed. It is destined! This is the reason why different institutes across the world do a lot of research just to find the right measures to prevent it. But, there are certain secret vitamins that are well-studied and have been proven to reduce breast cancer effectively. It comes to a surprise that still many women are unaware about it.
The American Cancer Society estimates about 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer live in the U.S.
Today, we will tell you about 5 such natural vitamins, which could actually help fight breast cancer, if taken on a daily basis.
5 Best Vitamins That Can Actually Trim Down Breast Cancer
1. Vitamin A
So, do you think you know everything about vitamins and their benefits? Well, think again because when it comes to breast health, the most forgotten antioxidant is vitamin A. According to the International Journal of Oncology, retinoic acid (a very popular derivative of “A vitamin”), helps in turning the pre-cancer cells into normal breast cells.
The research also clarifies why few clinical studies have not been able to observe vital benefits of vitamin A for breast cancer. It is because it does not alter the course of a full-blown cancer. Instead, it works on an extremely narrow dose: only on the pre-cancerous cells. So, if you are on an early stage of breast cancer, vitamin A is something you should dig upon.
Vitamin A Foods That Help Fight Breast Cancer
A. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes have a moderately high glycemic index. Their natural phenolic and carotenoid content makes them a rich food source to prevent many chronic disorders. The 2 major components found in sweet potatoes are beta-carotene and anthocyanin. Beta-carotene reduces the risk of cancer cells, cardiovascular diseases, cataracts and age-associated macular degeneration.
Carrots are well known for their natural antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Apart from carotenoids, carrots also contain some bioactive compounds like sulfoquinovosyl, falcarinol, and diacylglycerol, which are shown to have anti-cancer activities. The major reason why carrots are great for fighting against breast cancer is because they have alpha-carotene & beta-carotene. Also, carrots are rich in a fiber type called calcium pectate or pectin, which helps in binding the bile into gut and further sweeps it off the body.
2. Vitamin B
How many of you knew that folate & vitamin B6 could actually help a lot with breast cancer? Well, this is true. According to a study at University of Hawaii Cancer Center, PLP (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate), a very active vitamin B6 form helps prevent breast cancer. Results of this research revealed that women with high concentrations of PLP had 40% low risk of developing breast cancer than women, who did not.
Vitamin B Foods That Help Fight Breast Cancer
A. Wholesome grains
Enriched with essential vitamins, fiber and minerals, wholesome grains are something you shouldn’t miss in your daily diet. Choose grains like barley, quinoa, amaranth, oats, whole wheat and brown rice than their white, refined counterparts. Just heat them with milk & cinnamon and consume in the morning for a healthier breakast.
Beans and lentils are a fabulous source of folate (or folic acid), fibers and other healthy nutrients that help to prevent cancer.
Garlic is one of the best foods to prevent breast cancer. It has an active compound named allium, which is proven to put off breast cancer risks and slow down tumor growth. Yes, you might not like the garlic breath that comes along after consumption but if you want to lead a cancer-free life, garlic on a daily basis is a must.
3. Vitamin C
A regular intake of vitamin C rich foods can help women from preventing breast cancer. European Journal of Cancer suggests us to consume vitamin C either through supplements or natural food source. Not only is vitamin C a strong antioxidant but is also known to have anti-carcinogenic effects and helps to reduce oxidative stress.
According to a research conducted by Dr. Pauling, high dose of vitamin C not only fights cancerous tumor cells but also protects the healthy cells.
Vitamin C Foods That Help Fight Breast Cancer
May it be raspberries, strawberries or blueberries, they all are a great source of natural phytochemicals and antioxidants, which plays a very significant role in destroying the formation of cancer cells. So, for your next morning cereal, make sure to add in some berries with plain yogurt.
Just like Brussels, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts, broccoli is a great source of indoles and sulforophane. These two components are proven to control cell growth and fight against various cancers like breast, prostate, lymphoma, bladder and lung.
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It can be any pepper – green, yellow or red – all of these have phytochemicals or nutrients to fight against cancer cells. If you take jalapeno and chili peppers, they have a natural active compound called capsaicin, which has been studied to prevent the growth of cancer cells.
On the other hand, green peppers have chlorophyll which binds the cancer-causing carcinogens inside the gut and neutralizes them. The same applies for red peppers too.
4. Vitamin D
When it comes to nutrients that fight against breast cancer, vitamin D is the most controversial. Vitamin D, generated by the human body with exposure to sun rays, and which is also present in fish, fish oils, fortified milk has been often publicized as an organic preventive nutrient against bone problems, menopause and aging. But does it have healthier sides on breast health too?
While some say it is not true while others say it is, the question leads us to a big confusion if vitamin D should be focused more for a woman diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the latest research performed at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at Houston —
“Most natural products that include vitamin D mediate their overall effects through modulation of multiple cell signaling targets”.
Vitamin D Foods That Help Fight Breast Cancer
A. Green Tea
If you are someone, who has the habit of drinking 2 cups of green tea in a day, then you are at a very low risk of developing breast cancer. Natural green tea constitutes a lot of phytochemicals that are known to prevent cancer cells from forming.
Just like green tea, “pomegranate” is proven to prevent breast cancer. It is demonstrated to have some essential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Dr. Kumi-Diaka, pomegranate inhibits the growth of non-cancerous breast cells. Hence, make sure to either consume 1 to 2 glass of fresh pomegranate juice or 1 medium-sized fruit.
C. Curry Leaves
A small dose of curry powder can actually do a lot god than you would have thought. Curcumin is a curry powder that is commonly used in Eastern cuisines to flavor dishes. It has curcumin extracts and turmeric, both of which are shown to have a vital role in preventing breast cancer.
Scientists have always pondered why Asian women had lower risks of breast cancer than American women. Is it due to their diet comprising of green tea and soy? Many epidemiological studies say that consumption of soy has protective effects on breast cancer. The isoflavone present in soy actually prevents cancer by amending the genes engaged in cellular reproduction.
5. Vitamin E
Until now, there are very less published data on how vitamin E is helpful for breast cancer. However, we will tell you what we found. According to an article published on Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, vitamin E supplements can be highly effective for breast cancer cells.
Vitamin E Foods That Help Fight Breast Cancer
A. Brazil Nuts
Enriched with selenium, phytochemicals and fiber, Brazil nuts not only fights cancer cells but also helps against inflammation, prevents tumor growth and improves immune system. So, just a palmful of these can do a lot for your health.
Hope, we benefited you by giving this information. Pass on to your loved ones and make them aware too. After all, sharing is caring. For feedback, please use the comment section below. Stay connected with us.