Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and affects millions of women worldwide. It can be a devastating disease, causing emotional and physical trauma, and can even be life-threatening.

However, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. One simple yet effective step is to include certain ingredients in your diet. In this article, we will explore an ingredient that has been found to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Before we delve into the ingredient that reduces breast cancer risk, let’s first explore what breast cancer is. The breast is composed of different types of tissues, including glandular tissue, connective tissue, and fatty tissue.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control, causing a tumor to form. The tumor can either be benign, which means it is not cancerous, or malignant, which means it is cancerous and has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

There are several factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. These include:.

Age – the risk of breast cancer increases as a woman gets older
Family history – if a woman has a family history of breast cancer, her risk is higher
Genetics – certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast cancer
Exposure to estrogen – having higher levels of estrogen in the body can increase the risk of breast cancer
Obesity – being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer

The Ingredient that Slashes Breast Cancer Risk by 65%

Now that we have a basic understanding of breast cancer, let’s get to the good news. The ingredient that has been found to significantly reduce breast cancer risk is flaxseed.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Cancer Research found that consuming flaxseed on a regular basis can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 65%.

This is a significant finding and suggests that flaxseed should be included in the diet of women looking to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

What is Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is a small, golden or brown-colored seed that comes from the flax plant. It is rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and is often used as a nutritional supplement.

Flaxseed can be added to a variety of foods, such as smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and baked goods.

How Does Flaxseed Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

So, how exactly does flaxseed reduce breast cancer risk? There are several ways:.

Flaxseed is high in lignans, which are a type of phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. However, unlike estrogen, lignans have been found to have an anti-cancer effect. They can help prevent the growth of cancer cells and may even induce cancer cell death.
Flaxseed is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been found to have anti-cancer properties. They can reduce inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer.
Flaxseed contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer.

How Much Flaxseed Should You Consume?

If you’re interested in incorporating flaxseed into your diet to reduce breast cancer risk, you may be wondering how much you should consume. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends consuming 2-3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed per day.

This can easily be added to your meals and snacks throughout the day.

Other Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

While consuming flaxseed is a great way to reduce your breast cancer risk, there are other steps you can take as well:.

Stay at a healthy weight – being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer
Exercise regularly – regular exercise can help reduce the risk of breast cancer
Avoid alcohol or limit consumption – drinking alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer
Get regular mammograms – regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a devastating disease that affects millions of women worldwide. However, there are steps that women can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. One simple yet effective step is to consume flaxseed on a regular basis.

Flaxseed has been found to reduce breast cancer risk by 65%, making it a powerful addition to any diet. By incorporating flaxseed and other healthy habits into your lifestyle, you can help protect yourself from breast cancer.