By: Joy McCarthy - Holistic Nutritionist
By now you’ve probably heard that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and since I’m sticking with this theme, I want to share a few boob foods with you. Eating foods that promote breast health is an excellent breast cancer prevention plan. 1 in 9 women develop breast cancer and I want this to change. Now if you currently have, or had breast cancer, then there’s no reason you can’t add these foods to your diet to heal and repair your body.
Hopefully you read my previous three tips for healthy boobs, if you didn’t, please have a gander because there are some amazing tips in there that have more benefits than just keeping “the girls” healthy. Let’s get right to those boob foods:
1. Cruciferous vegetables. You say whaaa? Yes, cruciferous! If that sounds more like a dinosaur than a food, then allow me to shed some light on this powerful family of anti-cancer vegetables. This family includes: kale, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy and more.
This loving family contains phytonutrients such as diindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which is said to be the source of the vegetables’ potent cancer-fighting abilities. I3C specifically helps to bind with those pesky bad estrogens and aid in elimination from your body. Translation? Healthier boobs, hormonal balance, lessened PMS - YES! Here is a recipe for Roasted Cauliflower soup with Swiss Chard. It’s healthy comfort food, perfect for a cool Fall day.
2. Extra-virgin olive oil. Not only are the good fats incredibly beautifying, they are also a rich source of polyphenols. These antioxidants have been extensively studied for their breast cancer prevention abilities. You can also find them in good quality green tea as well.
Now it is important to make sure you buy high quality olive oil, in a dark bottle, cold-pressed, extra-virgin (to make sure it’s the first pressing). Otherwise the polyphenol content will be very low, if present at all. Want to learn more about this superfood? Check this article out and learn why you shouldn’t cook with it - there’s a video to watch on this as well. http://www.joyoushealth.ca/2010/11/28/spread-it-drizzle-it-eat-it-dip-it-slather-yourself-in-it/
3. Flaxseeds and chia seeds. Both seeds are a wonderful source of fibre. Both soluble and insoluble fibres are detoxifying and cleaner body means less toxins! Toxins lower your immune system and can damage your cells creating an environment for cancer to develop.
Flaxseeds specifically, have been studied for their phytoestrogen content which has been studied in estrogen metabolism. These phytoestrogens have an ability to potentially help lower bad estrogens (there’s both bad and good). Want to learn how to inject more of these seeds into your diet? Here’s a recipe for Chia Chocolate Pudding. Note: You can buy this chia cereal at 889 Yonge’s wellness boutique.
Please note that every single day this week I’m posting a vegan raw recipe on my Joyous Health website! Now I realize it’s chilly outside, that’s why I’ve been specifically posting recipes that are WARM and comforting. Please check them out for healthy gourmet deliciousness!
