If life were a video game, we'd all be playing handicapped and getting owned (hard) in the fight against Breast Cancer. In an age where pharmaceuticals, surgery, and chemotherapy reign supreme in this costly battle , many of us are unaware of (or have forgotten) the virtual arsenal of cancer fighting weapons that nature provides for us – food! Not just any food will do, however. Whole food nutrition is the safest, cheapest, and most effective way to prevent and heal from the ravages of breast cancer.

The Standard American Diet (often referred to as SAD) is notoriously high in carbohydrates/sugar, high fat, high (animal) protein, toxic, and nutritionally bankrupt and some studies show that there is a direct causal relationship between this diet and the continuing surge in rates of breast and other cancers. It has also been linked to the recent increase in incidences of breast cancer in young women age 40 and under.

With all of this information in mind, it becomes all the more apparent that now is the time to "Level Up" and protect ourselves and our families from the devastating effects of breast cancer by cleaning up our SAD lifestyle and incorporating healthy, nutritionally intact, and, preferably, raw foods into our diet.

The following is a fairly comprehensive (though not exhaustive) list of foods with well documented medicinal and cancer fighting properties that, when eaten whole, can effectively help prevent breast cancer.

Note: Be sure to buy 100 % organic produce as often as possible.

Asparagus - A super source of the antioxidant glutathione, to lower cancer risk.

Avocado - One of the richest sources of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant shown to block thirty different carcinogens and to block proliferation of the AIDS virus in test tube experiments.

Broccoli - A unique package of versatile disease-fighters; abundant in antioxidants, including quercetin, glutathione, beta carotene, indoles, vitamin C, lutein, glucarate, sulforaphane, extremely high in cancer fighting activity, particularly against lung, colon and breast cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it speeds up removal of estrogen from the body, helping suppress breast cancer. Note: cooking and processing destroys some of the antioxidants and anti-estrogenic agents, such as indoles and glutathione. It is most protective when eaten raw or lightly cooked.

Brussels sprouts - Cruciferous family member that possesses some of the same powers as broccoli and cabbage. Has definite anti-cancer and estrogenic properties and is packed with various antioxidants and indoles.

Cabbage (including bok choy) - Revered in ancient Rome as a cancer cure. Contains numerous anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds. Speeds up estrogen metabolism, is thought to help block breast cancer and suppress growth of polyps, a prelude to colon cancer. Some of these important compounds are destroyed by cooking. Raw cabbage, as in cole slaw, appears to have stronger overall health value.

Cauliflower - Cruciferous family member that contains many of the same cancer-fighting, hormone-regulating compounds as its cousins, broccoli and cabbage. It is specifically thought to help ward off breast and colon cancers. Eat raw, or lightly cooked.

Collard Greens - Full of anti-cancer, antioxidant compounds, including lutein, vitamin C and beta carotene. In animals, blocks the spread of breast cancer. Like other green leafy vegetables, associated with low rates of all cancers.

Flax seeds and oil - Prevents colon and breast cancer through its rich source of lignins, a documented anti-cancer agent. Improves moods, diminishes allergies and produces healthier skin.

Fish and Fish Oil - Some fish are high in omega-3 oil and antioxidants, such as selenium and Coenzyme Q-10. It exhibits anti-cancer activity especially in blocking development of colon cancer and spread of breast cancer. Fish highest in omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon and tuna.

Garlic - Used to treat an array of ills since the dawn of civilization. Contains multiple anti-cancer compounds and antioxidants and tops the National Cancer Institute's list as a potential cancer-preventive food; lessens chances of stomach cancer in particular. Eat garlic both raw and cooked for all-around insurance.

Kale - Rich source of various anti-cancer chemicals. Has more beta carotene than spinach and twice as much lutein, the most of any vegetable tested. Kale is also a member of the cruciferous family, endowing it with anti-cancer indoles that help regulate estrogen and fight off colon cancer.

Kiwi Fruit - Commonly prescribed in Chinese traditional medicine to treat stomach and breast cancer. High in vitamin C.

Mushroom (Asian, including shiitake) - A longevity tonic, heart medicine and cancer remedy in Asia. Current tests show mushrooms, such as maitake, help prevent and/or treat cancer. A shiitake compound, lentinan, is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent that is used to treat leukemia in China and breast cancer in Japan.

Onion (including chives, shallots, scallions, leeks) - Reputed in ancient Mesopotamia to cure virtually everything. An exceptionally strong antioxidant. Full of numerous anti-cancer agents. Blocks cancer dramatcally in animals. The onion is the richest dietary source of quercetin, a potent antioxidant (in shallots, yellow and red onions only-not white onions).

Orange - Natural cancer-inhibitor, includes carotenoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Also rich in antioxidant vitamin C and beta-carotene. Specifically tied to lower rates of pancreatic cancer. Because of its high vitamin C, oranges may help ward off asthma attacks, bronchitis, breast cancer, stomach cancer, and atherosclerosis.

Spinach - Tops the list, along with other green leafy vegetables, as a food most eaten by people who don't get cancer. It is a super source of antioxidants and cancer antagonists, containing about four times more beta-carotene and three times more lutein than broccoli, for example. Some of its antioxidants are destroyed by cooking. Eat raw or lightly cooked.

Strawberry - Anti-viral, anti-cancer activity. It is often eaten by people less likely to develop all types of cancer. Only eat organically grown. Strawberries have the highest amount of pesticide contaminates.

"Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food." (Hippocrates)

The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to either directly or indirectly give medical advice or prescribe treatment. Unless specifically referenced, the information has not been scientifically validated or approved by any government or regulatory agency. Please consult with your physician or other licensed health care professional for medical diagnosis, prescription, and treatment.