Food fads are massive in Kuwait and bazaar follows them too. We couldn’t avoid cupcakes years ago, then came cronuts (briefly), burger sliders, and chicken concepts are everywhere now. But probably, for all of us in Kuwait, the popular food movement that is purportedly the very best for us is the plant-based one. Particularly if we are looking at trying to reduce our, that is both men’s and women’s, risks of developing breast cancer through diet.
Ignoring external and genetic factors and keeping it simple, the website Medical News Today lists positive food choices which studies have shown can play a role in a healthful diet. These include a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes, soybean-based products and spices with anti-inflammatory properties. While not conclusive, many studies have suggested that dietary fiber may protect against breast cancer by accelerating the elimination of estrogen. The way that fiber binds to estrogen in the gut also helps to prevent the body from further absorbing estrogen, a hormone which influences the development of breast cancer, particularly in men. We tried ten items that should start us on the journey of dietary wellness to help fight breast cancer, and the best part? All of these choices can be enjoyed locally!
Edo @edo_restaurant
Item: Unagi sashimi, eel sashimi.
Why? Unagi contains arginine, an amino acid found to inhibit cellular replication of tumors, slow down tumor growth, and enhance immune function. Shape Magazine says recent studies have shown some evidence of arginine preventing the spread of breast cancer. This Edo dish is ideel (!) for cancer prevention.
Katsuya @katsuyamiddleeast
Item: Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Why? Brussels sprouts suppress cell cycle progression and inhibit the development of human breast cancer cells. The website Food for Breast Cancer informs us consumption of brassica vegetables has been shown to reduce 16 alpha-hydroxyestrone, which is a breast cancer promoter. No one does Brussels sprouts better than Katsuya.
THE KIMCHI @the.kimchi.kw
Item: Kimchi Jjigea
Why? Kimchi is fermented by probiotic lactic acid bacteria which are known to suppress the activity of cancer inducing enzymes according to the US Journal of Cancer Prevention. Kimchi jjigea is a traditional Korean dish and is packed full of cabbage goodness.
OVO @ovokwt
Item: Skinny Avocado Pizza
Why? Avocado is packed full of fiber for a fruit, and has good fats made mostly of oleic acid which is associated with reducing inflammation and has beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer. This delicious pizza features a whole wheat crust, roasted tomatoes and bean sprouts.
SUPER/FOODS @superfoodskw
Item: Pink Pomsicle
Why? 6-Shaogol, a ginger-derivative, has an inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells reports the Public Library of Science. This juice is an antioxidizing blend of pomegranate, red grape, ginger and lime. All proceeds from the sale of this product are donated to the Hayatt Breast Cancer Foundation, featured on our What’s Trending page for this issue.
Table 11 @table11kw
Item: Teriyaki Tofu
Why? Soy contains a complex mix of phytochemicals, including isoflavones, and the American Cancer Society writes that there is growing evidence that eating traditional soy foods such as tofu may lower the risk of breast cancer. Try this colorful Teriyaki version with bell pepper and corn.
Infusions Kuwait @infusionskw
Item: Turmeric Black Seed Honey.
Why? Turmeric contains curcuminoids with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medicinal properties. The website heathline.com says low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease including cancer. This delightful pure honey is infused with turmeric and black seed to build up your immunity.
Vigonovo @vigonovo_kw
Item: Beetroot Salad
Why? The website aicr.org reports that beets seem to inhibit carcinogen formation and increase production of immune cells and body enzymes that help fight cancer development. The red beets used in this salad are packed full of betalains, compounds which protect against cancer. Scattered with mixed seeds and topped with raspberries, this is a favorite!
VTerra @vterrakw
Item: Morning Mindful Mushroom Elixir
Why? The Chaga mushroom is rich in antioxidants says Medical News, and can prevent and slow cancer growth. Packed alongside all these ingredients: raw cacao, raw cacao butter, Siberian ginseng, dandelion powder, cinnamon, cordyceps, lion’s mane, ashwaganda, maple, house made almond milk, this elixir is a must.
Asha’s @ashasmiddleeast
Item: Bhindi Masala.
Why? The anti-tumor effects of lectin are seen on breast cancer cells, where growth is reduced by 63%, says the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Lectin comes from okra, which is a fruit unusually packed with protein and fiber. This dish is prepared with delicious okra, onion, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander and cumin.
Feature image Monica Grabowska via unsplash.com
