In our battle with an adamant disease like cancer, our armoury should be packed with a lifestyle including foods that can double as anticancer agents. It's a proven fact that healthy eating habits can put a significant dent in many cases of breast cancer, and compared with nauseating, painful, expensive, and sometimes ineffective conventional treatments eating special foods can be an attractive option. Here are some of the most powerful breast cancer–fighting foods: Mushrooms: A recent study published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer found that higher mushroom intake is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among women who are pre-menopausal. Mushrooms contain antioxidants that may provide cancer protection. Broccoli sprouts: Add sprouts to salads and homemade pesto and reduce your breast-cancer risk. They are high in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that may target and destroy cells that fuel tumour growth, according to scientific findings. Pomegranates: The crunchy seeds of pomegranates are a rich source of antioxidants, including ellagic acid: a potent antioxidant that may inhibit an enzyme that plays a role in breast-cancer development. Rye bread: Whole-grain rye bread can help slash the risk of breast-cancer. The combined action of fibre, lignans, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrient phytic acid make rye bread a breast-cancer fighter. Lentils: Though often overlooked, budget-friendly lentils are brimming with folate, fibre and a host of other nutrients that may help keep breast cancer at bay. Blueberries: Research suggests that blueberries can cause breast-cancer cells to self-destruct in a process called apoptosis. And the good news is that frozen blueberries are just as antioxidant- and nutrient-packed as fresh. Walnuts: Snacking on up to 60 g of walnuts a day could halt the development of breast-cancer tumours. Researchers from West Virginia's Marshall University in the US have found that omega-3s, antioxidants and phytoserols found in walnuts may help slow the growth of cancerous cells. Spinach: According to a study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, pre-menopausal women with the highest average intakes of dietary folate, of which spinach is a good source, had a 40 per cent lower risk of breast cancer. Eggs: Choline, an essential nutrient found in egg yolks, is necessary to ensure proper cell functioning. According to the US Institute of Medicine, women should aim for 425 mg per day of choline: a large egg has 126 mg. Other sources of choline include fish, poultry, beef, broccoli and wheat. Salmon: Salmon contains a significant amount of Vitamin D. Research shows that Vitamin D may prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Also, eating fresh or canned salmon provides docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a supercharged omega-3 fat that may kill off breast-cancer cells and help stop the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
