Angelina Jolie’s doctor shares top 10 breast cancer prevention tips

To coincide with National Breast cancer Awareness month in October, Dr. Kristi Funk — who is Jolie’s doctor and the founder of the Pink Lotus Breast Center in California — shared some of her top diet and lifestyle tips to help prevent breast cancer while on US breakfast show, Good Morning America.
1. Eat cruciferous vegetables every day
According to Dr Funk, consuming cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage and brussels sprouts are all great for breast health. This is because of their glucosinolate content, which when broken or chewed, an enzyme called myrosinase converts glucosinolates to isothiocyanates — which have potent anti-cancer effects including anti-inflammatory and Anti-angiogenic effects.
2. Eat antioxidant-rich berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are all rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients.
“These things are free-radical scavengers so, believe it or not, berries make cancer cells commit suicide,” she added. “I blend a cup a day into a shake.”
3. Eat more turmeric
Activated by black pepper, Turmeric is a breast health “superfood” and is easily consumed when adding to a smoothie.
4. Eat more Indian Gooseberry
Often sold as “AMLA powder,” Indian Gooseberry has the highest concentration of antioxidants on earth. It also improves metabolic activity, assists with calcium absorption and assists with improving eyesight.
5. Go mad for mushrooms
Button mushrooms are a great source of nutrients when it comes to breast cancer prevention. While there is currently no evidence that any type of mushroom or mushroom extract can prevent or cure cancer, button mushrooms contain all the essential amino acids and are a good source of vitamins.
6. Eat more soy
For years, doctors, including Funk, told breast cancer patients to avoid soy. Funk says that since 2009, however, newer studies have shown benefits of soy products, including tempeh, tofu, edamame and soy milk.

 

7. Stick to regular bar soaps
Using old-fashioned bar soap instead of antibacterial soap can lessen the risk of toxins you are exposed to.
8. Buy organic when eating the skin of produce
Try and eat organic as often as you can, but Dr Funk said it is most important when you’re eating a fruit or vegetable — try and leave the skin on which may have absorbed toxins.
9. Dust and vacuum your home regularly
Dusting and vacuuming is a great way to lessen the number of toxins in the air, according to Funk.
10. Fill your home with household plants
Many house plants naturally absorb toxins, Funk said.