5 hormone-healthy foods for breast cancer prevention

Our daily food choices wield tremendous power, both in nourishing our bodies and sustaining the planet however, some of chemicals found in regular food might be linked to diseases, including cancer.

Health experts point out that farmers use pesticides on crops to fend off bugs and insects and for better yields but while this seems beneficial for crops and farmers, these common chemical pesticides might interfere with our hormones, potentially contributing to the rise of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer in women.

In an interview with Zarafshan Shiraz of HT Lifestyle, Samyuktha Adityan, Founder of Natureallé, suggested, “It is advisable to consume organically grown produce whenever possible and steer clear of processed food. Opting organic means choosing food cultivated with natural fertilisers and pesticides and avoiding genetically modified seeds. This diminishes exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly associated with breast cancer, as they interfere with hormone regulation. It also ensures more nourishing meals for our bodies with minimal harm to the Earth. Beyond direct health effects, organic farming fosters biodiversity, healthier soil, and reduced environmental pollution, indirectly aiding in disease prevention, including cancer, by creating a healthier ecosystem and minimizing exposure to potential carcinogens.” Asserting that women’s health is highly dependent on dietary choices that ensure hormonal balance, she recommended the following organic foods in meals as they keep us healthy and safer from lifestyle diseases

1. Organic millets and grains are nutrient-rich superfoods packed with carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins and minerals known to boost immunity.

2. Unrefined organic salt contains minimised residues when compared to regular salt. Organic salt not only enhances flavour but also ensure a more wholesome seasoning, providing essential minerals that are stripped away in regular salts due to heavy processing.

3. Nuts, seeds, and cold-pressed oils are antioxidant-rich, heart-healthy fats aiding potential cancer protection. Nuts and seeds make for a healthy, nutrition-packed evening snack or can be incorporated into your meals by topping off your morning oatmeal, blending them into your smoothies, and enjoying delicious varieties, while cooking with cold pressed oils keeps inflammation at bay.

4. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale are low-calorie and contain cancer-fighting compounds. If you are not a fan of greens, get creative with cooking – try steaming, grilling, roasting, or even make them into a warm bowl of soup to fight the winter blues.

5. Organic fruits, especially berries, are loaded with antioxidants and a variety of minerals and vitamins that aid in promoting healthy body functions. Eat them as they are or make a guilt-free snack bar out of them to munch on as an afternoon pick-me-up.