Dietitian names foods that promote and prevent cancer
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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. There are many variations of it, most of which are treatable when diagnosed early. Diet can either protect against the development of cancer or be a cause. Unhealthy eating, coupled with genetics, environmental factors, and stress, influences the emergence of various types of cancer, according to dietitian Oksana Skytalinska.
Foods that promote the growth of breast tumors
High-glycemic foods
Sugar and sweets, sugary drinks stimulate insulin production and insulin receptors in breast tissue, creating favorable conditions for the growth of mutated cells. Therefore, try to replace sweets with berries.
High saturated fat intake
Even healthy saturated fats, when consumed in excess, promote the development of hormone-dependent tumors. Consume fatty meat sparingly and avoid salami altogether.
Trans fats
These fats are found in processed sweet and savory products such as chocolate bars, chocolate coatings, candies with fillings, crumbly cookies, and cookies with creamy fillings, as well as packaged snacks. They exacerbate inflammation and insulin resistance.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Although red wine contains protective compounds like resveratrol, their content and beneficial effects are less significant than the harmful effects on breast tissue.
Processed meats (sausages, cold cuts) contain heterocyclic amines, nitrosamines, and polycyclic molecules, which are potential carcinogens.
Obesity creates a very favorable environment for the development of breast cancer. Obesity is linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. Fat cells produce inflammatory molecules that circulate throughout the body, suppress the immune system, and render it incapable of eliminating cancer cells.
Hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) exacerbates this by causing areas of necrosis in clusters of fat cells, releasing toxic substances into the bloodstream. In obesity, adipose tissue produces various hormones that trigger insulin resistance, affect hunger and satiety regulation, and may be a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes.
Stress and stressful life events, as well as negative emotions, stimulate the production of large amounts of cortisol, which disrupts the delicate balance between the nervous and endocrine systems and suppresses the immune system.
Preventing breast cancer
Skytalinska lists foods that should be included in your diet to prevent breast cancer.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty fish, fish oil, seafood, flaxseeds, walnuts, and egg yolks have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Polyphenols
Berries (cranberries, hawthorn, blueberries, blackcurrants) and fruits (grapefruit, apple skins) contain fiber and colorful pigments that protect DNA in breast cells from damage by free radicals.
Plant protein
Lentils, beans, green peas, and chickpeas. These products contain less saturated fat, are rich in polyphenols, and soluble fiber.
Broccoli sprouts
Half a cup of sprouts increases the content of stem cells, which help counteract mutations and cancer.
Isothiocyanates
These are all types of cabbage, zucchini, arugula, and radishes. They have pronounced anti-mutagenic properties. Carotenoids and vitamin C are associated with reduced cancer risk due to their antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit cell growth and support hormonal metabolism.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
