gethealthy

This post may be a bit late for Breast Cancer Awareness Month…but better late than never.  Below I’ve outlined some basic steps in the prevention of breast cancer.

The information below contains information on supplemental vitamins, minerals, and herbs that may help in the prevention of breast cancer.

Selenium:

Selenium is a mineral often found in seafood, fish, wholegrains, vegetables, and nuts.  This mineral serves a very important function in the body.  It has been used to maintain a healthy thyroid as well as to boost the immune system.  Current research suggests that selenium may be used to prevent the aging process of DNA and protect against environmental stress.  Selenium is an antioxidant and helps rid the body of harmful free radicals that can lead to cancer.

The human body produces and enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which has been known to protect the body from oxidative stress.  This type of stress has been previously linked to cancer risk.  Therefore it is very important to reduce oxidative stress and support glutathione peroxidase activity.  In a recent study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Assosciation (JAMA), illustrated that selenium may reduce cancer risk.  The study used 1000 participants over a 4 year time period, who were administered selenium daily.  The type of selenium used in the study was selenomethionine, which has been found to reach muscle, blood, and liver tissue more effectively than selenite.

Lycopene:

Lycopene is a nutrient derrived from tomato sauce and aids in maintaining a healthy heart and helps to preven cancer.  One study concluded that 14oz. of pizza per week reduced the risk of heart attacks by 50%.   According to The Journal of Nutrition, broccoli also contains a powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant and pairing it with your tomato sauce will ensure you are getting adequate benefits from both sources.  It also ensures that you are building a defence against cancer and helping your heart at the same time.

Graviola:

The Graviola tree, found in the Amazon Rainforest has been shown to decimate malignant cells in 12 types of cencer including: breast, colon, prostate, lung, and pancreas.  Extracts created from this tree kill cancer cells and slow the growth process of new ones.   More than 20 laboratory test over the last 30 years confirm this.  The National Cancer Institute were quoted as stating that the leaves of the Graviola were “effective in attacking and destroying malignant cells.”

Green Tea and Polyphenols

Most of us are already aware of the potent anti-oxidant effects of green tea, but did you know it also contains elements tha can slow or stop the growth of tumors?    The culprit, chemicals called polyphenols.  These compounds act by restricting the growth of blood vessels that run to the tumors.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Did you know that not all fats are bad?  Some types of fat can actually reduce your risk of breast cancer.  Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as: tuna, salmon, sardines, and anchovies, can slow the growth of tumors.  Foods that contain high levels of Omega-3’s have an anti-immunity effect.