Prevent Breast Cancer With Cabbage
With more than 40,000 deaths in America alone attributed to breast cancer on an annual basis
, preventing this disease is a top priority for many. While many women and high-risk men understand that diet is important, they don't always know the right foods to eat. One surprising combatant that is well worth adding to the battle is cabbage. This leafy vegetable is among a select class that has been shown in research studies to control estrogen, which can prevent and slow the growth of cancer cells.
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the top killers of women in the industrialized world. This condition is often linked to the natural hormone estrogen. When estrogen levels are high, this hormone acts basically as a food source for cancer cells. When estrogen is controlled, breast cancer cell growth can be prevented or slowed.
Breast cancer most commonly strikes women, but can appear in men in rare cases. The disease, if caught early, is often non-fatal. If it is allowed to run unchecked, however, breast cancer tends to spread and may lead to death.
People with high risk factors for breast cancer should take steps to prevent the disease and ensure early detection if it does form. Risk factors include:
- Gender: Women are more likely to contract this disease.
- Age: Older women, in their 60s and beyond, are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Age of menstruation: Women who began their periods before the age of 12 are more likely candidates for breast cancer.
- Age of menopause: Women who begin menopause later in life are more likely to contract this disease.
- Pregnancy history: Women who have their first babies after the age of 35 are at higher risk.
- Family history: Genetics does seem to play a strong role in the development of breast cancer.
How Cabbage Helps
Cabbage is known to be an excellent controller of estrogen levels in the body. When this food is consumed, it helps the body metabolism estrogen more rapidly. In turn, this removes the fuel source for breast cancer growth. Indoles, a substance found in cabbage, has been implicated as the agent that helps this vegetable speed up estrogen metabolism. Research at New York's Institute for Hormone Research showed that increased estrogen metabolism occurred in about 50 percent of the subjects who were given large doses of indoles in their diets. The test amount was about 500 milligrams.
Other Vegetables To Consider
While cabbage is a rich source of indoles, it is not the only option to consider. Other cruciferous vegetables also contain this important substance. They include cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
Eating Right For Cancer Prevention
While cruciferous vegetables are very good choices for breast cancer prevention, an overall dietary plan for good health can also make a difference. To enjoy the best chances of maintaining health, a proper, well-balanced diet should be considered. Ideally, a diet geared toward cancer prevention and health protection will be low-fat, low-sodium and high-fiber in nature. Making sure the body receives the right balance of vitamins and minerals on a regular basis can boost immunities against a variety of diseases and better poise a person to prevent a host of conditions.
When breast cancer is a concern, cabbage might just offer the protection people are after. When this vegetable is included in a diet that's well-balanced and healthy, risks for a variety of diseases can be reduced.
by: EeLynn Lee
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