October is Breast Cancer Awarness Month:
First of all, take this time to recognize all the women in your life that are survivors, still fighting, or have lost the battle to breast cancer. These women should all be referred to as "LEGENDS"
Here are some random tips & factoids that may prevent breast cancer from coming your way!
Consider breast-feeding
Women who consistently breast-feed for the first 6 months have a 10% reduced risk of death from cancer, compared with those who don't, found a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. One reason: Because a woman doesn't menstruate while breast-feeding, it limits the number of cycles she has over a lifetime, which lowers the amount of estrogen to which her body is exposed. Bottom line: There is significant data that suggests that breast-feeding lowers risk. If a mom can do it, it's worth trying. In other words, you've heard experts say that "breast is best" for babies, and now there's extra proof that it's best for moms, too.
Eat the right foods—Every Day
I know this is difficult to do as a mom on the go, however it is a must! Research continues to produce promising evidence that what you eat can affect your risk. For example, Harvard researchers recently found that women who had the highest carotenoid levels in their blood had a 19% lower risk of breast cancer than those with the lowest levels. Carotenoids are found in fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens, carrots, and red peppers. Women who consumed more carotenoids had an even lower risk of developing estrogen-receptor-negative breast cancer (which is often more aggressive).
Trade your morning Coffee for Green Tea
We love COFFEE as well, but tea drinkers likely have the upper hand—especially when their beverage is green. New findings out of Columbia University's Medical Center suggest that when women with breast cancer take oral green tea extract and their conditions improve. Bonus! It also gives you a slimmer bod. Catechins, the antioxidants present in green tea, are pros at blasting belly fat. And studies suggest that caffeine frees fatty acids so you can burn calories (and fat) more easily.
Keep that Bod in Motion!
Grab your babies and your jogging stroller because research suggests that increased physical activity reduces overall breast-cancer risk by about 10 percent to 30 percent. All it takes is moderate exercise like a 30-minute walk five days a week to get this protective effect.More than two dozen studies have shown that women who exercise have a 30 percent to 40 percent lower risk of breast cancer than their sedentary peers. The female hormone estrogen seems to play a key role. Women with high estrogen levels in their blood have increased risk for breast cancer. Since exercise lowers blood estrogen, it helps lower a woman’s breast-cancer risk.
If you already were an avid Red Wine Drinker like we are you are in luck! Regular alcohol consumption raises breast cancer risk, except for red wine, which has the opposite effect when consumed in moderation. Studies show that the chemicals in the seeds and skins of red grapes slightly reduce estrogen levels and raise testosterone among premenopausal females - thus reducing their breast cancer risk.
XOXO,
TheeInspiredMommy
