6 Foods That Prevent Breast Cancer

Its Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and were celebrating the foods and nutrients that best protect you, while bringing big, fresh, real-food flavors to your plate.

- Lisa Turner

The latest statistics show about one in eight American women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, and breast cancer death rates in the US are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. The good news: Because breast cancer research is so well funded, mriad studies have identied do]ens of dietar factors and foods that can reduce your risk as well as support and accelerate recover for those ghting the disease. Here are seven of the best:

Carrots They’re high in antioxidant carotenoids like beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, which protect against breast cancer. In one large-scale study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women with the highest blood levels of carotenoids had an 18 to 28% lower risk of breast cancer. Other foods rich in carotenoids include peppers, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and leafy greens such as kale.

Try this: Shred carrots and toss with currants, pistachios and rosewater for a Middle Eastern carrot salad; purée roasted carrots with chickpeas, garlic and olive oil for a twist on hummus; toss baby carrots and cauliflower florets in melted coconut oil, roast until tender and shower with minced parsley.

Red onions are high in organosulfur compounds, which block tumor growth in breast cancer and other cancers. Other foods rich in organosulfur compounds include yellow onions, garlic, leeks, shallots and chives. Red onions also contain quercetin and anthocyanin (a water-soluble pigment that’s responsible for the red color), which also protects against breast cancer.

Try this: Sauté red onions, shaved Brussels sprouts and mushrooms in olive oil; halve red onions, drizzle with a mixture of melted coconut oil, honey and balsamic vinegar and roast until tender; thinly slice red onions, pack in a jar and cover with apple cider vinegar for quick pickles.