Among women the world over, there aren’t many things more dreaded than breast cancer. This deadly disease not only takes a significant toll on the patient, but also all of the loved ones in their life. Most women have at least a rudimentary knowledge of the breast cancer screening options available to them, but did you know that there are also some natural ways in which you can protect yourself from breast cancer?
Let’s have a look at some of the best ways you can keep your body, and especially your breast tissue, healthy:
Add More Fish Oil To Your Diet
About three years ago, a very influential report was published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. According to the data presented in this report, women who had added fish oil supplements in their diet showed a 32 percent reduction in risks associated with cancer. Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that is touted for its many amazing health benefits.
Remember to Stay Active
It is very important to stay active in your everyday life, so this means doing more of whatever it is that will keep you moving and active (cycling, swimming, running, or even walking). A study that was published in BMC Cancer showed how women who got at least seven hours of exercise a week were 16 percent less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
More Tea Please!
Tea is a beverage which has also been long touted for its wide range of health benefits. In fact, research from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville has shown that the regular consumption of tea could reduce a person’s risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 12 percent. But with so many types of tea available, which one is the best to drink? While it is hard to go wrong with tea, green tea has the highest concentration polyphenols, a potent antioxidants that capable of fighting off dangerous free radicals.
Load Up on the Fruits and Veggies!
The subject of a number of recent articles, cruciferous vegetables could be one of the best foods for fighting off breast cancer. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, foods like brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage can prevent the development of cancer before it can take root in the patient’s breast. Other recommended vegetables include dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and collards. Fruits should also make up a good part of your diet as well. Don’t forget to eat plenty of berries, citrus, and cherries. The best way to eat your fruits and veggies are either raw or you can have them steamed, as this helps preserve those cancer-fighting properties.
Avoid Needless Exposure to Chemicals
Marissa Weiss, the acting president of BreastCancer.org and an established physician, recommends avoiding products that are made from plastic, a difficult task in today’s world. Instead, she suggests opting for products that are made from ceramic, glass, and stainless steel where possible. Cancer clinical studies have indicated that specific chemicals, most of which are found in plastic, appear to unbalance the body’s hormones and can damage the breast tissue.
Cut Out More of the Fats
Diets that are too high in saturated or trans fats have become an all too common problem in the United States. There are actually plenty of healthy alternatives likes monounsaturated fats that are the best way to go. Next time you are at the store, look for olive oil or other cooking oils derived from seeds and nuts. These oils provide a healthy source of selenium, an essential mineral in the prevention of cancer.
As you can see, there are plenty of steps that you can take in order to protect yourself from breast cancer. What’s more, none of these are that demanding in the end. Just remember the essentials, a healthy diet (that provides the body with plenty of antioxidants and omega-3’s) coupled with an active lifestyle can go a long way to ensuring a long and healthy life.
