Is Fruit Good for Preventing Breast Cancer?

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Breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer that women in America get, with the exception of skin cancer. Women have a 12 percent chance of getting breast cancer at some point in their lives. According to the American Cancer Society, 268,600 new cases of invasive cancer are expected in 2019.

Because of the prevalence of breast cancer, many women are looking for ways to prevent it. What older adults eat has a lot to do with their health. Studies suggest that eating fruit may be one way to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer.

Homecare Warren NJ - Is Fruit Good for Preventing Breast Cancer?

Homecare Warren NJ – Is Fruit Good for Preventing Breast Cancer?

How Does Fruit Fight Breast Cancer?

In 2018, researchers conducted a study to examine the effects of fruit consumption on breast cancer. The study followed participants for 30 years. At the end of that time, the data collected showed that those who ate fruit on a regular basis had a lower chance of developing breast cancer.

Experts believe that there are several substances found in fruit that fight against cancer. Some of them are:

Phenolic Compounds: Fruit contains phenolic compounds that are believed to both reduce and treat the effects of cancer on the body. They are also thought to impact the growth cycle of cells.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants are substances that help to fight oxidative damage to cells, which can harm the cells’ DNA, leading to cancer.

Antiproliferative Compounds: Antiproliferative compounds fight against cells growing and multiplying, or proliferating.

All kinds of fruit are healthy choices. In fact, choosing a wide variety of fruits ensures that your aging relative gets the full range of their benefits. They should eat about a cup and a half of fruit per day.

What Other Foods Help to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Fruit isn’t the only food that can assist your aging relative to prevent breast cancer. There are plenty of other foods that can also help to fight against breast cancer. Some of them are:

Green Tea: Green tea has been associated with all sorts of health benefits, including weight loss and cancer prevention. Green tea is believed to help prevent cancer because it contains antioxidants.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, are rich in antioxidant vitamins, including vitamins C, E, and K.

Fiber: Foods that are high in fiber may help to fight against breast cancer. Fiber is believed to interfere with the process of estrogen interacting with breast cancer cells and helping them to grow.

Homecare providers can assist your aging relative to eat a diet that lowers their risk for breast cancer. A homecare provider can make sure that there is washed fruit on hand that the older adult can easily grab for a snack. They can also prepare dishes that use fruit in them, such as a salad with strawberries or a bowl of oatmeal with sliced bananas. Homecare providers can also cook meals that contain other cancer-fighting foods, including vegetables and high fiber foods.

Sources:  https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-fruits-fight-breast-cancer-430037
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316720.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-cancer/foods-to-prevent-breast-cancer#drinks
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional Homecare Services in Warren NJ, please talk to the caring staff at Generations Home Health Care today. Providing Home Care in Somerset, Essex, Union, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. Call us today at (908) 290-0691 or (973) 241-4534.

Susan Myer, RN, BSN, CCRN, CDP