Principles of a Breast Cancer Diet

If you've heard the term breast cancer bandied about, you're not alone. Many experts are conducting studies to try to determine what diets may help prevent breast cancer or help those who diagnosed with the disease. While no one diet plan has been determined to be unfailingly effective, several discoveries have been made, leading to a somewhat loosely defined breast cancer diet.

Some very disappointing studies have recently bucked the assertion that a diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber, low in sugar and fat can prevent breast cancer or the recurrence of breast cancer. These studies run contrary to the common assertion that diet can affect the prevention of breast cancer. Many more studies are being conducted to investigate the validity of these latest findings.

One study conducted by scientists at the University of Texas in Austin investigated the impact of diet and exercise on women with breast cancer who have already entered into menopause. This study shows that reduced calorie intake and increased levels of exercise do indeed help with a specific cell function related to energy balance and cell growth. This indicates that a diet low in calories and a lifestyle high in exercise does indeed promote better breast health and fewer incidences of breast cancer. Other studies verify that obesity is a precursor to breast cancer, making it reasonable to assume the currently popular breast cancer prevention diet is still viable.

While more information is becoming available on this topic as time goes by, the following dietary changes are still recommended to help prevent breast cancer.

Foods and beverages recommended to prevent breast cancer

• A total of 7-9 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day. Fill your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those which contain natural high levels of vitamins C and B vitamins and antioxidants. Some studies show that women who consume yellow and orange vegetables (squash, sweet potatoes, yams) and cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli) had significantly lower incidences of breast cancer than those who did not eat these vegetables on a regular basis.
• Tea. All tea contains antioxidants, but green tea in particular appears to be especially helpful in warding off cancer.
• High-fiber foods. Keep your pantry stocked with high fiber cereals and products. Try eating oatmeal, legumes and beans for great cancer-fighting foods.
• Pomegranate juice. This juice has been the subject of several scientific cancer prevention studies. It appears to be very effective in preventing breast cancer.
• Red wine. Drink up to two glasses of red wine or eat two cups of red grapes a day for your breast health.