October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, an important focus because breast cancer has increased dramatically over the past few decades. It's the second most common cancer in Canadian women and 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is a complex disease with many contributing factors and prevention is a puzzle that modern medicine is still solving. However, new emerging science is showing that at least 33% of breast cancer cases could be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices, like diet and exercise, which help create a healthy internal body environment where cancer is less likely to grow.
While no one food or diet can prevent breast cancer, some foods help make your body the healthiest it can be and support immunity, keeping your risk as low as possible. Cruciferous veggies, like broccoli are foods shown to reduce the risk because they are loaded with fiber, antioxidant vitamins and phyto-chemicals that reduce inflammation and DNA-damaging free radicals and reduce the development and progression of cancer cells.
Smoothies are a great way to eat your crucifers without even noticing! This recipe is loaded with cancer-inhibiting nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, B-vitamins, folate, omega-3 fats and other potent antioxidants.
Crucifer-licious Smoothie - Serves 1
1/2 cup broccoli
1 cup spinach
1 apple cored, with skin
1/2 cup plain yogurt or kefir
1/2 banana
1 tbsp hemp seeds
1/2 cup ice cubes
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with more ice or water to reach perfection. Enjoy!