Diet for Breast Cancer Prevention

Diet for Breast Cancer Prevention

After many scientific controversies, it is now clear that diet...

 DIET FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

After many scientific controversies, it is now clear that diet is one of the factors most influencing breast cancers – its development as well as its prevention.

Soy & Honey Tofu with Sweet Potato Noodles

THE PRICE OF PROSPERITY

Because it is more and more common in developed countries, it is said that breast cancer is the price that must be paid for prosperity. In 1975, United States researchers Armstrong and Doll showed statistically for the first time that there is a link between diet and breast cancer. They showed that there is a direct between correlation between consumption of animal fat and meat per capita among the inhabitants of a country and the incidence and mortality of cancer, including of the breast. The higher the consumption of animal fat and meat, like in wealthy countries, the greater the risk of breast cancer.

Although some researchers asserted that the association between eating animal fat and meat could be coincidence, a number of later studies confirmed it.

There are certain types of meat that increase the risk of hormone-dependent breast cancer even more according to a study by Harvard University(United States). The risk of premenopausal breast cancer is greater among women who consumed more red meat during adolescence.

Immigration and Cancer

The role of diet and general lifestyle in breast cancer has also been shown by studying different groups of immigrants. For example, when Japanese people immigrate to the United States and change their diet, mortality rates from breast cancer increases over two to three generations, equaling that of their new country.

YOUNG WOMEN AND MEAT CONSUMPTION

Adolescents and young women who eat more red meat increase their risk of premenopausal hormone-dependant breast cancer. For every additional 100g (3.5oz) of red meat consumed per day, the risk of breast cancer increases by 20%.

N/B: Processed meats such as sausage and ham, pork and hamburger are the most linked to the higher risk of breast cancer.

INCREASE CONSUMPTION OF THESE FOODS

• Olive oil and avocado, due to the beneficial effect of monounsaturated fatty acids.
• Walnuts and seeds in general, good sources of polyunsaturated alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
• Soy, tofu and soy drink, due to their high isoflavone content (vegetable estrogens that act like partial antiestrogens). Many studies confirm the protective role that soy and soy products play in fighting breast cancer, especially when they are consumed during adolescence.
• Fruits and vegetables, carrots and spinach. For cancer prevention, fresh fruits are preferred over vitamin supplements.
• Raw garlic or deodorized garlic extracts.
• Nonfat yogurt.

REDUCE CONSUMPTION OF THESE FOODS OR PRODUCTS

• Meat in general and especially animal fats. Fatty meats, sausage, cheese and butter are the main sources of animal fat in the Western diet.

 Sausage Pork Meat

• Meat, especially processed red meat.

• Dietary sources of trans-fatty acids or hydrogenated fatty acids, such as fried foods and margarines (also available without trans-fatty acids).

• Products with a high glycemic index (refined sugars, white bread, pastries, cakes and other products made with white flour and white sugar).

Pastry Doughnuts

Pastries

EXTRA NOTES>>>>

Can Women Who Have Survived Breast Cancer Eat Soy?

Women, who have survived breast cancer, or those who still have it, often ask themselves if they can eat soy products or soy extracts, such as isoflavones.

It is no surprise that there is a widespread debate about the role of soy isoflavones. Like other phytoestrogens (vegetable hormones), isoflavones act like antiestrogens that protect against cancer and at the same time, like weak estrogens that can promote cancer when in very high doses.

These conclusions can be drawn from the variety of research published on the subject:

• The consumption of foods rich in phytoestrogens (soy, and soy products, flax, seeds, whole grains) in similar amounts consumed regularly by Asian population does not stimulate tumor growth in breast cells. Therefore, women who are breast cancer survivors can consume moderate amounts of these foods without any risk whatsoever.

• Avoid soy extracts, generally in pill form, which are high in isoflavones.

• Women who are undergoing treatment with tamoxifen (an antiestrogen hormone used to fight breast cancer) should avoid isoflavone extracts and foods high in phytoestrogens (soy aand flax, primarily) because they interfere with the effects of this medication.