According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the 4th most common cancer among women and affects more than 280,000 women each year.
While there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, research has shown that certain beverages may have protective effects against the disease. Here are some of the beverages that may help protect women from breast cancer:.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Several studies have suggested that regularly drinking green tea can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women.
One study found that women who drank the most green tea had a 20-30% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who drank the least.
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and many studies have looked at its potential health benefits. Some research has suggested that drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One study found that women who drank 5 or more cups of coffee per day had a 20% lower risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer than those who drank less than one cup per day. Another study found that postmenopausal women who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t drink coffee.
Red Wine
Red wine is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Some research has suggested that drinking red wine in moderation may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One study found that women who drank 1 or 2 glasses of red wine per day had a 20% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t drink wine. However, it’s important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is high in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Some research has suggested that drinking pomegranate juice may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One study found that women who drank pomegranate juice daily for 6 months had a 34% reduction in the growth of breast cancer cells. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is a rich source of isoflavones, which are compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
Some research has suggested that consuming soy products may reduce the risk of breast cancer, particularly in Asian populations where soy consumption is high. However, other studies have found conflicting results and more research is needed to determine the effects of soy on breast cancer risk.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Some research has suggested that drinking orange juice may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One study found that women who drank the most orange juice had a 12% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who drank the least. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Black Tea
Black tea is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Some research has suggested that drinking black tea may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One study found that women who drank more than 3 cups of black tea per day had a 37% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who drank less than one cup per day. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is high in antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Some research has suggested that drinking cranberry juice may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
One study found that women who drank cranberry juice regularly had a 17% lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who didn’t drink cranberry juice. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Conclusion
While drinking certain beverages may have protective effects against breast cancer, it’s important to remember that no single food or beverage can prevent the disease entirely.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, staying active, and getting regular screenings are all important steps in reducing the risk of breast cancer.