Scientific Study Finds Incidence Of Breast Cancer Reduced By High Consumption Of Walnuts, Pecans And Almonds

Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

Cancer occurs in the body when mutations or changes take place in the genetic material that regulates normal cell growth. These changes in genetic material allow the cell to divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Breast cancer is cancer that results in uncontrol growth of the breast cells. It predominantly affects women but can affect men too.

Breast cancer has been reported as the most common type of cancer in women worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer. It contributes to almost 16% of all types of cancer in women. Multiple factors contribute to the development of breast cancer including diet, environment, and inherited factors. Certain food items like walnuts, peanuts, and almonds can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by a factor of 2 to 3. [1]

Peanuts contain several anticancer components that may help stop the spread of cancer cells. [2] Two compounds, phytosterols, and resveratrol have been identified in peanuts that have anticancer properties. They cut off the blood supply to cancer cells, thus inhibiting their growth. A high intake of peanuts has also shown a decrease in colon cancer.

Walnuts are a potentially high value diet component in strategies for the prevention of cancer. Walnuts contain different components like ellagitannins, melatonin, and gamma-tocopherol that reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and gene expression that lead to cancer cell production. [3]

Almonds have been found by study to exert a protective effect against breast cancer due to certain compounds present in them, such as phytic acid, phytosterol, and resveratrol that have antineoplastic effects on cancer cells. Almonds are also rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.

See also: Top 34 Anti-Cancer Foods https://www.herbs-info.com/anticancer-foods.html

Science: Spirulina Halts 85% Of Breast Cancer In Vivo

Photo © mama_mia, shutterstock.com (under license)

Spirulina is a not a new discovery in the world of medical advancements. Studies reported on the nutritional value of Spirulina as early as the 1960’s, however in recent times further potential health benefits have caught the attention of researchers, specifically how it can boost immunity and fight disease. One of the most recent breakthroughs on spirulina is its links with cancer prevention.

Published in January 2014 in The American Journal of Pathology, Ouhtit, et. al.’s study found that spirulina was able to inhibit breast carcinogenesis in rats. Spirulina, which is a filamentous blue-green microalga, had been previously studied in vitro for its antioxidant and potentially anticancer properties. The 2014 study was conducted in vivo, meaning in live test subjects, which is much more significant than “in vitro” results, which indicates actual potential for anti-carcinogenic action in living beings. The researchers found that Spirulina was able to clear out rat mammary tumors, as confirmed by histopathology, or looking at tissues under a microscope and looking for cancerous cells. ^[1]

Furthermore, the study found that Spirulina was able to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells within 24 hours; apoptosis or cell death among cancer cells happened within 48 hours after the introduction of treatment with Spirulina. That’s certainly a feat – anti-cancer effects within one to two days of treatment with this algae. All in all, Spirulina was able to reduce the incidence of breast tumors in the rats from 87% to 13%. That’s an 85% reduction of tumors after treatment with Spirulina! The researchers report that their study is most likely the first report of in vivo treatment with spirulina against cancer, highlighting the potential role of this life form in both preventative supplementation and actual cancer therapy. ^[1]

While Ouhtit, et. al.’s study is one of the first in vivo studies on Spirulina, there are plenty of other studies that came after, showing how the plant is able to fight against other kinds of cancer. In March 2014, a study was published by Konickova, et. al. in the Annals of Hepatology, showing that Spirulina was able to work in vivo against pancreatic cancer cells after the third day of treatment! In November 2015, Pan, et. al. found that Spirulina was able to cause apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, targeting multiple proteins in the ovarian cancer cell line and causing cell death. ^[2][3]

These are fantastic discoveries. You can find Spirulina in a variety of forms, the most common being capsule and tablet forms, though you can find it in powder or flake form as well. If you have pre-existing health conditions, make sure to seek medical advice from your doctor if you can take Spirulina supplements without any problems. Otherwise, just follow the instructions on dosing on the package. Dosing varies depending on the type of product you get. Seek a high-purity, high quality product. This scientific research indicates that you may be able to reduce your cancer risk today by including Spirulina in your diet!

Where to get spirulina: We’ve located the spirulina supplement on Amazon.com that got the highest star-rating! You can find it here – Non-GMO Spirulina Powder – Sustainably Grown in California – Highest Quality Spirulina on Earth – 100% Vegetarian, Gluten Free & Non-Irradiated.

5 Signs Of Breast Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore – Plus Best Prevention Tips

Infographic: herbs-info.com

What do you know about breast cancer other than it affects breast tissue? Breast cancer is extremely serious; while majority of cases occur in women, many people are surprised to learn that men are sometimes affected. This is because both sexes have breast tissue – not just women.

There are numerous different signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as different tests that can be done to diagnose it. We’ve listed many of these in the article as well as the infographic but the most important thing we need to say is that online information should never be used to replace an actual diagnosis. Regular screening is vital and early detection really could save your life.

The Statistics for Breast Cancer

According to Breastcancer.org, roughly 1 in 8 American women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime – that’s 12 percent of the US female population. In 2014, about 240,000 invasive and 63,000 non-invasive breast cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in women. In men, the numbers were much lower – a predicted 2,400 invasive cases were expected in the same year. The risk of men getting breast cancer is 1 in 1,000. ^[1]

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is increasing age – more so than heredity. Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are due to the inheritance of mutated genes. The rest are caused by genetic mutations due to the wear and tear experienced by the body during aging. Gene mutations that predispose people to breast cancer are those that affect the BRCA1 and BRCA2 – in both men and women. ^[2]

Other risk factors include:
• Alcohol intake
• Breast tissue density
• Early menarche (first menstrual period) and late menopause
• Exposure to radiation in the breast or chest area
• Nulliparity (no born children)
• Older age during birth of first child
• Obesity
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Use of hormones (contraceptive or hormone therapy) ^[2]

Did you know that antiperspirants have also been implicated as a possible breast cancer risk? Regular deodorants can contain:

Aluminum – linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Phthalates – these chemicals are endocrine disruptors
Propylene glycol – common name: antifreeze
Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen
Parabens – have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
Antibacterials – may affect the immune system ^[3]

Check out our tutorial on How to Make Your Own Natural Deodorants Without Toxic Chemical Ingredients.

Extended List Of 10 Possible Warning Signs and Symptoms

• A lump or growth in the breast or armpit
• Breast pain (“mastalgia”) or tenderness
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple retraction
• Enlargement of one breast – while breasts are generally non-symmetrical, noticeable enlargement of one breast can be a sign of concern
• Dimpling of the breast skin or an “orange peel” like texture
• Vaginal pain
• Sudden weight loss
• Enlarged axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes in the armpit)
• Visible veins on the breast ^[4]

Screening for Breast Cancer

There are several examinations you can undergo to check your breast health. They include: (1) mammograms (please be informed regarding the mammogram controversy, (2) ultrasounds, (3) MRIs, and (4) biopsy of breast tissue. These tests are designed to diagnose if breast cancer is affecting the ducts, lobes, or tissue of the breast – the most common areas affected by breast cancer cells. Breast cancer can also potentially manifest in axillary tissue or spread to other parts of the body, including other parts of the female reproductive system like the ovaries, uterus, or cervix. ^[5] If breast cancer is metastatic, it means that it is spreading to other parts of the body. If breast cancer reaches the fourth stage, it has most likely metastasized to the brain, bones, lungs, or liver. ^[6]