Breast cancer fighting foods to add to your diet

Don’t just focus on weight-loss foods this summer, indulge in food that can also help you fight off breast cancer.

It is very important for women to know what is normal in their bodies and to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer.

Gert Coetzee, Pharmacist and Diet pioneer who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About, gives us five foods that can be added to your diet can decrease your chances of getting breast cancer:

1. Spinach: According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the vitamin B in spinach is necessary for proper cell division which helps in reducing the chances of getting breast cancer. Use fresh spinach as a wrap by placing grilled chicken in a spinach leaf and dipping that into any sauce or toss it into any salad. Spinach can also be enjoyed with scrambled eggs or in an omelette.

2. Blueberries: Research shows that blueberries contain pterostilbene (a naturally occurring compound) which can halt the growth of breast cancer tumours by causing cancerous cells to self-destruct. ₄Layer blueberries, low-fat vanilla yoghurt and low fat granola to make a delicious snack or top any cereal or oatmeal with some fresh blueberries.

Also read: Breast cancer is also a man’s disease

3. Walnuts: Walnuts contain omega-3 antioxidants and phytosterols (molecules related to cholesterol) which may help slow down the growth of cancer cells.Make a breakfast bowl of cooked oatmeal topped with walnuts and vanilla yoghurt or toss some walnuts in any fruit or vegetable salad.

4. Eggs: Eggs contain choline (a water-soluble vitamin) which is associated with a 24% reduced risk of breast cancer according to a US study which involved more than 3000 women. Eggs can be scrambled, used to make an omelette, poached or enjoyed as a sunny-side up with some veggies on the side.

5. Pomegranates: According to U.S. scientists from the City of Hope’s Beckman Research Institute, the crunchy seeds of a pomegranate contain ellagic acid (natural phenol antioxidant) which is a potent antioxidant that may inhibit an enzyme that plays a role in breast cancer development. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on any dessert or simply squeeze out the pomegranate juice and drink it.