By now, many of us know that maintaining a healthy weight is beneficial to our overall health. In America especially, poor diet and obesity are enemy number one to public health, with innumerable studies linking a western diet to an increased risk for many serious health issues. News stories often reveal connections between high fat diets and health, and breast health is no exception. Recently, a study linking fat and cholesterol to a life-threatening breast condition made media headlines.
The study, published in the American Journal of Pathology, examined the role of cholesterol in the development of abnormal cellular breast conditions. The study concluded that the “results suggest that cholesterol accelerates and enhances” unhealthy breast cell growth, as seen in mice fed a higher-fat, cholesterol-enriched diet than mice eating a typical mouse diet. The western diet mice were fed 20.2% fat, 16.8% protein, and 48.0% carbohydrate, while the low fat diet mice got 4.5% fat, 23.0% protein, and 50.1% carbohydrate. The notable difference was in fat values, with the western diet having 20% fat and the other diet only 4.5% fat.
However, fat content was not the only glaring difference here. Upon further research, the sugar content of the diets in this study also varied greatly. The western diet contained 31% sucrose, while the low fat diet contained only 1.11% sucrose.
For quite some time, medical research has suggested that sugar feeds aberrant cells, and can increase the speed and rate of how these cells proliferate. Sugar also disturbs the body’s careful balance of insulin and blood glucose. High levels of insulin are common in the obese, and may also be a risk factor for breast health. Research has shown that high insulin levels and a related hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) may promote unhealthy breast cells, independent of estrogen levels!
Maintaining cellular health is a complex issue. Our cells are constantly challenged by numerous dietary, environmental and lifestyle factors can affect the integrity of our DNA and suppress immunity. The mainstream medical verdict has not yet concluded whether it’s fat, cholesterol, or sugar that specifically contributes to the development of abnormal breast cells. One thing is certain, though — making healthy lifestyle and diet choices can greatly reduce your risk for developing many common and unfortunate illnesses, especially in regards to breast health protection.
Frequent moderate exercise and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will help keep your body nourished and vibrant. It is equally important to take advantage of well known vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that support breast health. Research has established that natural compounds in foods such as broccoli and turmeric support healthy cell behavior and hormone balance.
DIM, found in broccoli, is a prominent ingredient in BreastDefend that has been shown to promote cellular health and support healthy estrogen metabolism. BreastDefend’s comprehensive formula also contains the antioxidant quercetin, turmeric rhizome extract (BCM-95®; 95% curcumin), Astragalus membranaceus root extract, Scutellaria barbata herb extract, and three kinds of medicinal mushrooms for superior immune support.*
Women can feel confident caring for the health of their breasts with natural, safe ingredients validated by scientific research.