When it comes to breast cancer, there are certain foods to consider in order to prevent its development or progression. A wide variety of colorful fruits and veggies contains the needed nutrients to fight diseases, such as cancer and these foods can be a great addition to a person’s diet.
Here is the list of some fruits and vegetables that are naturally found in different shades of pink.
Beets
The anti-cancer effect of beetroot is due to its betanin content which is also responsible for its unique color. Extract from this super food has been found to prevent the growth of tumors not just in the breast but also in other organs.
Grapes
According to cancer stem theory, cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal. They can maintain their stem cell-like characteristics even after invasion and metastasis. Laboratory evidence proves that compounds present in grapes like resveratrol and phytocyanidins can prevent cell renewal, thus preventing the spread of cancer cells. Resveratrol and phytocyanidins are antioxidants known to prevent and lower cancer risk.
Carrots
Carrots also have purple and red varieties, which are rich in beta-carotene, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent anthocyanin. These compounds effectively prevent damage against cells, proteins, and DNA, which can contribute to cancer development.
Red Cabbage
Red cabbage contains sulforaphane, which is a sulfur-containing compound and a cancer-fighting agent that promotes, suppress cell cycle progression and inhibit angiogenesis of human breast cancer cells. It is also rich in anthocyanins that contribute to its antioxidant properties.
Pomegranates
Pomegranate juice inhibits an enzyme called aromatase, which plays a key role in making estrogen and promoting the grown of breast cancer. It has been found to help slow and even prevent the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain large amounts of a powerful antioxidant called beta-carotene. Mainly found in leafy greens and orange vegetables, beta-carotene has been proven to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer, particularly stomach, colon, and lung cancer. On a separate study involving pre-menopausal women, eating a lot of foods that contain beta-carotene, folate, vitamin C, and fiber reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by half. Moreover, extracts from sweet potatoes have the ability to shrink existing breast cancer tumors and preventing new ones from forming by regulating cell proliferation and repairing cell damage.
Apples
Apple peels contain cancer-fighting anthocyanins and a flavonol called quercetin that can inhibit breast cancer growth according to studies.
Radishes
This cruciferous vegetable has high levels of antioxidants that prevent breast cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. It contains large amounts of fiber, folate, glucosinolates, and potassium. Glucosinolates are broken down into indole and isothiocyanates that prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Additionally, in a lab study with Japanese, it was found that radish sprouts can significantly lower the incidence of mammary tumors.
