Breast Cancer Prevention News: Antioxidants Decrease Breast Cancer Risk
There’s been a lot of debate about what dietary factors can play a role in the prevention of breast cancer. Antioxidants have always been part of that debate, and now, a new study comes out strongly on the pro-antioxidant side.
It found that low antioxidant levels, measured by blood tests, were linked to an increased risk for breast cancer. Women with low vitamin A had double the risk for breast cancer. Women with low vitamin E had nearly triple the risk. All also had higher markers of oxidative stress in their bodies, and this too was independently linked to higher risk for breast cancer. Antioxidants are the body’s first line of defense against the damaging effects of oxidative stress. (Sharhar, S., et al. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2008; 9(2):343-50.)
Oxidative stress and the damage it causes can start the process of cancer. One of the best ways to stop oxidative stress is with antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and other phytonutrients, found mostly in plant foods.
In fact, one undisputed recommendation for breast cancer prevention is to eat more plants and fewer critters. Other ways to reduce your risk:
- Get plenty of vitamin D (at least 1,000 supplemental IUs a day).
- Take a standardized green tea extract or drink three cups of green tea a day.
- Take a standardized curcumin extract or season your food with turmeric or curry powder.
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Take a high quality fish oil supplement or eat fish with high omega-3s at least three times weekly.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in plants and whole grains. Cut back on eating meat, specifically red meat.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Good antioxidant levels depend on consistently good intakes. In addition to taking special care to include high-antioxidant, cancer-fighting foods in your diet, we strongly recommend taking supplemental antioxidants to ensure that your levels are sufficient to protect against damage caused by oxidative stress.
Jean Carper on Breast Cancer Prevention: Jean Carper discusses breast cancer research which shows how the antioxidant curcumin, found in the curry spice turmeric, may be an ally in breast cancer prevention. Curry Spice vs. Breast Cancer?
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Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
