Can Herbs Help Prevent Breast Cancer? Insights and Recommendations

 Preventing breast cancer is largely possible through a healthy lifestyle, which includes a diet rich in antioxidants, avoiding harmful habits like smoking, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. But can herbs play a role in breast cancer prevention? Dr. Nevine Bashir, a lecturer, nutritionist, and expert in organic chemistry and food biotechnology, shared her insights with Sayidaty:

Herbs and Spices in Breast Cancer Prevention

Dr. Bashir explains:

“While no single herb has been scientifically proven to prevent breast cancer 100%, focusing on a diet rich in antioxidants is an essential step for overall health and cancer prevention. This diet typically includes:

• Colorful fruits and vegetables: Red and orange bell peppers, beets, berries, spinach, etc., all rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.

• Spices: Turmeric and ginger contain active compounds like curcumin and gingerol, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• Arugula: Rich in chlorophyll, folate, vitamin K, and other antioxidants.

It is important to adopt a balanced and varied diet, incorporating a wide range of herbs and antioxidant-rich foods rather than relying on a single herb. Spices may help balance cancer-promoting and cancer-fighting factors, potentially lowering cancer risk. Globally, many families follow dietary approaches to reduce disease risk, including cancer, emphasizing natural, minimally processed foods and adding herbs and spices to create healthy, flavorful meals.

Although dietary guidelines in many countries encourage integrating herbs and spices into daily meals, specific recommended amounts are not yet established.

Herbs with Potential Cancer-Preventive Properties

1. Basil

• Rich in flavonoids, basil may have protective effects against cancer.

• Used in pasta, salads, dressings, and pesto sauces.

• Enhance nutritional value by adding spinach, almonds, or cashews.

2. Thyme

• Contains terpenoids, which act as antioxidants and may protect cells from cancer.

• Can be used in sandwiches, sprinkled on pizza or salads, added to sauces, soups, stews, and marinades.

3. Rosemary

• Contains carnosol, a compound that may slow cancer cell growth, boost immunity, and reduce cancer-related hormones.

• Versatile for dishes like roasted potatoes, chicken, meat, or fish, and can be infused in olive oil for added flavor.

4. Mint

• Contains perillyl alcohol, which has been shown in lab studies to inhibit cancer cell growth.

• Supports digestion and may help reduce nausea during cancer treatment.

• Green and peppermint varieties are commonly used in savory dishes, juices, fruit salads, and yogurt-based sauces.

5. Parsley

• Contains apigenin, a flavonoid that may contribute to cancer prevention.

• Widely used in cooking, in dishes like tabbouleh, stews, soups, and homemade marinades.

Dr. Bashir emphasizes that while herbs alone cannot prevent cancer, integrating a variety of these antioxidant-rich herbs and spices into a healthy, balanced diet can support overall wellness and potentially reduce cancer risk.