Breast Cancer is the harshest kind of cancer whose main target is the women. It is a malignant cancer which grows on the tissues of the breast, most often in the ducts that transmits milk to the nipple and in the glands that produces milk known as lobules.

All over the world, about one out of 8 women is diagnosed with this kind of cancer. In the United States, a research has shown that the death rate of women associated with breast cancer is higher than any other cancers, having lung cancer as an exception. However, men are not exempted in getting this kind of cancer. There is also a possibility, although low, man will be able to have breast cancer.

The occurrence of breast cancer is usually unknown, although there are a number of risk factors connected to it. Aging might be one of the risk factors for the reason that, as a woman grows older, her chances of getting breast cancer is increased. Another one is the genes, specifically the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes raise the risk of having breast cancer. Moreover, women who have family members that have a history on cancers of the ovary or on breast cancer are more likely to acquire the same. The most common symptom is the development of lymph nodes on the breast.

Nonetheless, there are several ways to prevent the happening of such. One may lessen the chances of getting breast cancer through these 7 foods:

• Spinach. Originally from the Middle East, spinach is a green, leafy vegetable which is commonly known for the various health benefits it offers. One of the most helpful components of spinach is its antioxidant properties. This is the most beneficial for cancer patients. It helps in detoxifying the bad chemicals in the body, including the cancer cells. When lymph nodes appear, there is a tendency that it will spread given that it is malignant. Aside from cleansing the body, spinach is also known to inhibit the growth of tumor and prevents the degeneration of DNA and cancer cells. Health experts advise that fresh, bright spinach should be consumed since it contains more nutrients than the pale ones. A study has proven that consuming at least 2 servings of this vegetable a week can decrease the risk of breast cancer for up until 50%.

• Tomatoes. Tomatoes are red fruits which are widely grown in South America. They are popularly recognized to be a powerhouse of nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in Lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants. Due to the high levels of this compound, tomatoes have positive effects on the prevention of breast cancer. In addition, Lycopene contains chemicals which act as anti-carcinogens. The beta-carotene component also aids in the blockage of growing cancer cells. Aside from Lycopene and beta-carotene, several other compounds present in tomatoes are responsible in its ability to avoid cancer such as quercetin, carotenoids, and other flavonoids. In fact, an experiment was once conducted which involved 700 women – 289 of which has breast cancer. The results have shown that through regulated intake of Lycopene, the risk of breast cancer was reduced up to 36%.

• Garlic. Garlic, usually used for culinary purposes, resembles the onion. Also referred to as Allium Sativum, garlic is an antioxidant; hence, it only implies that it is of big help in cleansing the body and killing the bad enzymes present in it, including the cancer cells. Once it is crushed, the cloves of garlic generate a chemical known as allicin. This chemical enables the garlic to become “medicinally active”. Also, allicin belongs to the group of strong antioxidants, which makes it more effective in breaking the free radicals present in the body. Moreover, garlic is also capable of boosting one’s immune system. This adds protection to the body against other diseases.

• Grapes. Grapes are round, black-violet berries. Grapes are composed of polyphenols such as quercetin, resveratrol, and catechin. These polyphenols provide antioxidant properties; and, for that reason, they perform a significant role in getting away from cancer. It has been found out that the mentioned polyphenols contain chemo-preventive properties. According to a study, the resveratrol compound caused a significant reduction of bad cells in the duct structures, enabling the mammary tissue less prone to damage brought about by carcinogens. The nutrients are intact in fresh grapes; therefore, they are more recommended than drinking grape juices or wines.

• Cruciferous Vegetables. Cruciferous Vegetables refer to the group of vegetables which has been proven to be beneficial to cancer patients and to those who wanted to keep away from cancer. They are also referred to as the cancer busters. Among this group are cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, and cauliflower. These cruciferous vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants; which is why they are known to bust cancer cells. Through eating these vegetables, cancer patients have increased their rate of survival. A number of breast cancer survivors who included these cancer busters on their diet have attested that, indeed, they are effective in killing the cancer cells in the body.

• Orange-colored fruits and veggies. Orange-colored fruits and vegetables include oranges, cantaloupe, carrots, apricots, and pumpkins. This group of fruits and vegetables are stuffed with big amounts of carotene. Popularly referred to as carotenoid, carotene are yellow-orange pigments which provide color to certain fruits. However, more than just adding color, these carotenoids are essential in improving the immune system of an individual. Also, they aid in fighting the free radicals in the body; hence, blocking the occurrence of cancer. Through consuming these foods regularly, a person certainly reduces the probability of getting cancer.

• Dark Cherries. Dark cherries like blueberries and blackberries are composed of chemicals which have been verified to combat the free radicals that might later on turn into cancer cells. These cherries also have antioxidant properties responsible in cleaning the internal parts of the body and eliminating the bad cells present therein. The anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties of dark cherries are also of big help with regard to guarding the body against cancer cells.

Sources
guide2herbalremedies.com
womenshealth.about.com
mamashealth.com