Health & Life

Breast Cancer Nutrition: 10 Powerhouse Foods to Boost Health

The idea that fasting can starve cancer cells is inaccurate. Cancer patients should maintain a well-balanced, nutritious diet rich in a variety of foods.

Administrator

5 May, 2024

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Cancer patients, especially those with breast cancer, require a nutrient-rich diet consisting of various foods. This helps strengthen the body’s immune system, facilitating better tolerance and recovery from treatments.

Here is a list of 10 types of food recommended by doctors at the Cancer Hospital for breast cancer patients:

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli and cabbage, are rich in vitamins A and C, along with bioactive compounds that are activated during digestion. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in the prevention of breast cancer.

To optimize the absorption of nutrients from these vegetables, it is recommended to lightly steam or stir-fry them.

Carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables

Studies have suggested that consuming foods high in carotenoids, such as carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes, might be associated with a reduced risk of developing certain types of breast cancer.

Carotenoid-rich foods like carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes may be associated with a reduced risk of developing certain types of breast cancer.

Fatty fish

Oily fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are important nutrients that may play a role in cancer prevention. Omega-3s may also reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs used in breast cancer treatment, as well as alleviate joint pain and reduce cognitive and neurological impairments associated with treatment.

Green tea

Green tea is rich in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most prominent. Studies have shown that green tea consumption may help reduce side effects of chemotherapy, decrease the risk of cancer recurrence, and improve survival rates.

Lean protein sources

Cancer cells often produce compounds that trigger muscle loss, affecting body composition, immune function, and overall health. Therefore, incorporating sufficient protein into the diet is crucial for patients.

Incorporating sufficient protein into the diet is crucial for patients.

Soy and soy products

Soy contains various compounds with anti-oxidative and anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels and promoting apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

Despite concerns that soy may negatively impact breast cancer based on findings from animal and cell line studies, human studies, particularly in Asian women, suggest that regular soy consumption after menopause may be associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer.

Yogurt, fermented milk, and low-fat dairy

These vitamin D- and calcium-rich foods are known to have protective effects against breast cancer. Studies have shown that women who consume higher amounts of dairy products rich in these nutrients may have a decreased risk of developing breast cancer. However, high-fat dairy products do not provide the same benefits.

Whole grains

Whole grains retain their bran layer, which is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They support efficient blood glucose management, reducing the risk of developing insulin resistance, a condition commonly associated with obesity and excess weight gain in breast cancer patients.

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3s, fiber, and lignans. The lignans in flaxseeds have anti-cancer properties, particularly against estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer cells. Omega-3s also provide additional benefits during breast cancer treatment.

Black beans

The black outer layer of black beans contains high amounts of flavonoids. These flavonoids have the potential to block or reduce the initiation, growth, and spread of cancer cells. Preliminary laboratory studies using black beans have shown their effectiveness in targeting breast cancer cells.

Frequently asked questions

Doctors suggest a diet consisting of various food groups, including cruciferous vegetables, carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, green tea, lean protein sources, soy products, yogurt, fermented milk, low-fat dairy, whole grains, flaxseeds, and black beans.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as glucosinolates, which have anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive properties. Lightly steaming or stir-frying them optimizes nutrient absorption.

Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants found in carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. They may help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of certain types of breast cancer.

Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Omega-3s may reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs and alleviate joint pain, while vitamin D plays a vital role in cancer prevention.

Green tea is rich in flavonoids, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a potent antioxidant. Studies suggest that consuming green tea may help reduce chemotherapy side effects, decrease the risk of cancer recurrence, and improve survival rates.

Cancer cells often trigger muscle loss, affecting overall health. Sufficient protein intake helps counteract this effect, supporting the body’s healing process and maintaining immune function.

Soy contains anti-oxidative and anti-cancer compounds. While initial studies on animals and cell lines raised concerns, more recent human studies, especially on Asian women, show that regular soy consumption after menopause is associated with a significantly reduced risk of breast cancer.

These dairy products are rich in vitamin D and calcium, offering protective effects against breast cancer. Studies indicate that higher consumption of these nutrients may lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Whole grains retain their bran layer, which is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This helps manage blood glucose levels effectively, reducing the risk of insulin resistance, a common issue in breast cancer patients.

Flaxseeds provide omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which have anti-cancer properties, especially against estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer cells. The black outer layer of black beans contains high amounts of flavonoids, which can block the growth and spread of cancer cells.