BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. ā While no specific ingredientĀ can prevent breast cancer, doctors say there are foods that can boost your immune system, fight inflammationĀ and lower your risk of getting breast cancer. Ā Ā
Broward County emergency room Dr. Sonali Ruder, who calls herself the "foodie physician," is also a chef and cookbook author.
"Most of the research points to a mostly plant-based diet,"Ā she said. "You want to consume a diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and limit the amount of processed food."
Ruder said turmeric is a popular ingredient that adds flavor and protection against cancer.
"So we've got chicken, pumpkin seeds, blueberries, corn, crumbled Mexican cheese and avocados -- another nutritional powerhouse,"Ā Ruder said as she prepared a salad.
Sue Craig, 54, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, decided to change her diet after her diagnosis.
The retired teacher underwent a bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.
"I'm really strong and I have a really strong network of family and friends, so this is not getting the best of me,"Ā Craig said. "I was going to do whatever I needed to do."
Craig turned to the foodie physician for help.
A peaches and cream oatmeal bake that Ruder created is a quick way to get nutrients and fiber.
"Fiber also binds to estrogen, so it helps eliminate estrogen from the body," Ruder said. "So it's believed it can reduce hormone-related cancers like breast cancer."
The best part is that all of the healthy food Ruder prepares is also delicious.
Below are links to some of Ruder's recipes:
Peaches and cream baked oatmeal
Southwest blueberry Cobb salad
Quinoa with roasted vegetables