With the exception of skin cancer, prostate and breast cancer are the most
common forms of cancer in men and women, respectively. More than 65% of all
prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The highest incidence
of breast cancer is in women ages 75-79 affecting 5 in every 1000.
The risk of both is said to be increased by obesity and lack of exercise, high
fat diets, smoking and low vitamin D. Breast cancer risk is also increased by
alcohol, exposure to environmental estrogens and some
kinds of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It
appears that many of the nutrients that are breast
protective can also protect the prostate.
Eating Your Way to Better Breast
and Prostate Health
The Journal of Carcinogenesis reported
that resveratrol, a nutrient found in red
wine, has shown an 87% reduction in
prostate tumors in laboratory animals.
This powerful antioxidant is found in
raspberries, peanuts and blueberries.
Although more
than one
alcoholic
beverage a
day increases the
risk of breast cancer, the polyphenols in red wine have an
inhibitory affect on human breast and
prostate cancer cells.
Ellagic acid is found primarily in red
raspberries and wild tart cherries.
According to the Hollings Cancer
Institute, this acid strongly decreases
cancer cell division in the breast,
skin, colon and prostate within 48
hours. Want more good news? It
also promotes apoptosis (cancer cell
death) within 72 hours! Move over
chocolate, these little fruits should be
your new best friends!
You’ve probably heard that tea is good for you. But why is that? One
word: Catechins. These antioxidants
are found in black, green, and white
teas. The most common is EGCG.
The benefits are thought to include
promotion of apoptosis in cancer cells
in the prostate, stomach, skin, lung,
breast, and colon. EGCG can also
help boost your metabolism. Who
knew you could fight cancer and fat
at the same time!
Carotenoids are also very supportive of
breast and prostate health. Lycopene,
a carotenoid antioxidant, can be found
in tomatoes, watermelon, apricots and
red grapefruits.
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Women in a New York
University study that ate a serving of
spinach at least twice a week had half
the rate of breast cancer than that of
women who avoided it completely.
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage
and Brussels sprouts have their
distinctive tastes because of their
high organic sulfur content. This
assists the liver in the detoxification
of “bad” estrogens that increase
breast cancer cell growth.
The
Journal of the National Cancer
Institute states that it only took 3
½ servings a week of one of these
veggies to decrease the risk of
prostate cancer by 41%. Eat up!
Cancer Cells:
Seek and Destroy
Flaxseed is a potent source
of a natural plant estrogen
called lignans. Multiple studies
suggest that lignans may interfere
with the development of breast and
prostate tumors in humans.
In breast cells, these
natural plant estrogens,
called phytoestrogens, may block
“bad” estrogen from initiating
cancer growth.
Two recent studies published in the
International Journal of Nutrition and
Cancer provide even more evidence
that a higher intake of omega-3 fats
with vitamin E, beta-carotene and
dietary fiber can help reduce the risk
of breast cancer. Flaxseed is rich in
omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and natural
vitamin E.
Isoflavones are also natural plant
estrogens that are most abundant
from kudzu (a vine), soy beans and
other legumes. These can help
balance estrogen levels. However,
those with active, diagnosed breast
cancer should avoid soy unless
otherwise directed by their physician.
Dietary fiber intake has been shown
to reduce blood levels of estrogens
associated with a reduced risk of
breast cancer. Dietary fiber has been
shown to bind directly to “toxic”
estrogens in the small intestine,
dragging them through the intestinal
tract and out of the body. This
prevents their re-absorption into the
bloodstream.
Whey protein, processed from cow’s
milk, can increase our internal |
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production of glutathione, our body’s
major detoxifier. Glutathione protects
human prostate and breast cells.
Natural vitamin E derived from food is
thought to be twice as bioavailable as
synthetic vitamin E. Vitamin D is not
only important for strong bones, it also
supports breast and prostate health.
People who aren’t as lucky to live in
the warm, sunny southern part of the
USA most likely do not get sufficient
vitamin D. Researchers say that raising
vitamin D levels may prevent up to half
of all breast cancer cases in the United
States! Most recommend increasing
vitamin D intake with regular,
moderate sun exposure.
Lifelong Wellness
To support breast and prostate
health, include as many of the foods
aforementioned as you can. Getting
at least 4 hours of physical activity a
week, preferably outdoors and curbing
alcohol consumption to less than
5 drinks a week will kick start your
healthy routine. If you smoke, quit.
The lifelong benefits are immense
when you are a non smoker. Go
organic! This will reduce the amount
of hormones and pesticides included
in your food.
Need a healthy start every day? Try our
Breast and Prostate Wellness Shake!
Dr. John H. Maher
Co-Founder, BioPharma Scientific
“The SuperFood Solution™ provides all of these
nutrients in an easy to drink, tasty shake.”
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