Healthy and nicely shaped bosoms are pride of every woman. Fuller breasts give a significant boost to a woman’s self-confidence and physical appearance. Keeping your breasts healthy becomes very important if you have a strong family history because health experts believe a family history of breast cancer among female relatives doubles a woman’s chances of having the disease.
When it comes to reducing your risk for breast cancer, you can’t change your family history, but a healthy lifestyle can protect your breasts from this disease.
So, how to have healthy breasts? There are some healthy ‘boob foods’ that not only promote healthy breast growth but also benefit your general health.
For those looking for healthy foods that help breast growth and protect them from breast cancer, we list here a few foods that they can add to their grocery cart:
Sweet Potatoes
Surprised? Yes, these large, starchy, sweet-tasting, tuberous roots hold a real healthy surprise.
These sweet-tasting super-spuds are rich in carotenoid that lowers a woman’s risk of developing certain types of breast cancer by regulating cell growth. Other produce including carrots, squash, and dark leafy greens also contain carotenoid.
Pomegranate
This vibrant-red colored seedy fruit can inhibit the growth of hormone-dependent breast cancer. According to a study in Cancer Prevention Research, pomegranate is rich in ellagic acid that might help protect against cancer by mitigating estrogen production and killing the breast cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells intact.
Mushrooms
The fresh fungi are known for their cancer-fighting power. Consuming a healthy serving of fresh mushrooms a day might help protect against breast cancer, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Broccoli
This cruciferous vegetable contains sulforaphane, which is believed to help stop cancer cells from multiplying or doubling. Arugula, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale are also rich in sulforaphane.
Fresh Grapes
The antioxidant Resveratrol, found in the skin of grapes, has the potential to stop the cancer from starting in the breast, which automatically reduces your risk of breast cancer. Red and purple grapes contain significantly more resveratrol antioxidants than green grapes.
Salmon
Salmon is also one of the foods to eat for healthy breasts. This oily fish is rich in high but ‘good’ fat content- omega-3 fatty acids. These essential Omega 3s are linked to improved breast cancer prognosis. In a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, women who consumed fish-oil supplements for at least 10 years were less likely to develop ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer. For vegetarians, white chia seeds, flaxseed and walnuts are good source of Omega 3s.
However, it’s highly advisable to have annual breast exams and mammograms starting at age 40, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
So, what are you eating- or thinking of adding to your plate after reading this article- to lower your risk of breast cancer?
Edited by Neelam Goswami on 24-02-2014.
