If you use garlic and onions in your dishes you should be happy to know that both are good for your health. According to a new study, eating these foods reduces the risk of breast cancer.
Onions and Garlic to Prevent Breast Cancer
A Puerto Rican dish made from garlic and onions at the center of the study
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Sofrito – a garlic and onion based recipe widely used in Puerto Rican cuisine – has prompted scientists to conduct their research on the island. The success of this sauce in Puerto Rico has led the women there to eat more garlic and onions than their European or American peers.
The study followed 314 women with breast cancer and 346 female in the control group between 2008 and 2014.
Gauri Desai, principal author of the study, Ph.D. student in epidemiology at the University of Buffalo, confirms that the combined consumption of onions and garlic among Puerto Rican women, in addition to Sofrito, was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
The researchers found that the risk of the disease had been reduced by 67% in women who took Sofrito more than once a day, compared to those who never did.
Jo Freudenheim, the co-author of the study, adds: “There is very little research into breast cancer in Puerto Rico. So the purpose of this study was “to understand why rates in Puerto Rico are lower than in the rest of the United States and why rates continue to rise as they fall in the rest of the United States.
Garlic and Onions: are rich in anti-cancer agents
The researchers wanted to study the two ingredients because they are rich in flavonoids and sulfurized compounds.
“These compounds have anti-cancer properties in humans, but also in experimental research in animals,” says Lina Mu.
Garlic contains compounds that have been studied in cancer research, such as S-Allyl cysteine, Diallyl disulfide, and allyl sulfide. Onions also contain a wide variety of allyl sulfides.
Signs of Breast Cancer
The earlier the diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of recovery, so it is important to know the signs that need to be looked for. Here are some of the signs of breast cancer:
- The appearance of a cavity on the surface of a breast
- The presence of a hard mass in the breast
- Breast pain
- Leakage in the nipple
- Small lesions
- A rough texture
- Nipple depression;
- A change in breast size or shape
In order to identify these symptoms, it is advisable to observe your breasts regularly. Preferably one week after the beginning of the period. If you come across any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consider seeing a doctor ASAP.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4366009/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01635581.2019.1651349
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