Nuts and seeds are breast cancer superfoods that should be a delicious part of your vibrant health journey! Besides being chock full of minerals, antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and protein—some nuts and seeds actively kill cancer cells. Keep reading to learn about which nuts and seeds should be staples in your kitchen. And, of course, I provide a few of my favorite nutty products and recipes at the end.

Important reminder! Always buy organic nuts and seeds. Doing so will ensure toxic sprays are not used, and organic producers can’t genetically modify them. Look for a Non-GMO seal on the package. 

Nuts = Breast Cancer Superfoods

Besides providing a crunchy and hearty snack, nuts provide some of the essential ingredients needed to destroy breast cancer. Below is just a quick summary, and please read my book: Heal Breast Cancer Naturally, for a deep dive into the world of natural ways to restore your body and heal cancer.

A special note about walnuts! A study conducted on women with Breast Cancer found that adding 2 ounces of walnuts per day (about 1/4 cup), stimulated tumor suppressor genes and positively changed 456 genes in the Breast Cacner tumors! 

Selenium: Naturally found in Brazil nuts, cashews, and sunflowers seeds 

Here’s a brief snapshot: Depending on the type of cancer and the needs of your unique body, optimizing your selenium levels could be the missing piece of your healthy breast puzzle. Studies show that low tissue levels of selenium may be associated with the development of breast cancer and metastasis. This is because it can inhibit various types of cancer cells, including estrogen-induced breast cancer cells. Please learn more via this study. 

For a more detailed review, please read this blog post about optimizing your selenium levels. 

Aromatase inhibitors: Naturally found in walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are hormonal therapies for treating estrogen-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer. Common names for these drugs are Aromasin, Anastrozole, and Letrozole. Nuts, fruits, teas, and supplements are other effective and natural sources of AIs.

Please learn more about healing with an integrated approach to AIs via this blog post.

Quercetin: Naturally found in pistachios and almonds

Quercetin literally “freezes” breast cancer cells and closely watches abnormally signaling cell pathways that could potentially turn cancerous. Even if your body is rapidly producing breast cancer cells, Quercetin can return them to an early stage of their development. Apples, red onions, capers,  Matcha tea, and berries are other powerful ways to digest Quercetin.

To learn more about healing and prevention with Quercetin, please review this blog post. You can also purchase it as a supplement here.

Seeds = Breast Cancer Superfoods

Just like nuts, seeds are powerful ways to heal breast cancer by enhancing the success of chemotherapy, detoxing, and providing anti-tumor actions.

Amygdalin/Vitamin B17: Naturally found in apricot seeds, meal, and oil

Apricot seeds provide powerful anti-tumor actions and apoptosis to cancer cells! It also enhances the success of chemotherapy. Amygdalin/Vitamin B17 is also in almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, berries, sweet potatoes, spinach, lentils, and as a supplement. Please learn more about this tiny powerhouse seed via my blog post.

Phytoestrogens: Naturally found in flax seeds

Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens that help heal from cancer and detox from xenoestrogens (harmful estrogens). Flax seeds are a phytoestrogen that inhibits the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer, stop it from spreading, and even strengthens the effects of tamoxifen. Please do not buy pre-ground flax seeds, as the shelf life and packaging can cause oxidation and mold in the seeds. Consuming up to 25 grams of flax seeds per day (5 teaspoons) is recommended for breast health. 

Breast Cancer Superfoods Recipes

Your healing journey can be fueled by delicious meals, snacks, and desserts that feed your soul and starve cancer. If you still believe the myth of healthy eating is dull and gross, these recipes will completely shift your mindset! Click here for a list of all my cancer-fighting recipes. 

Nut Butter

• NuttZo: I love their non-GMO Organic Crunchy Power Fuel: cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seeds, and Celtic sea salt.
• Check out your grocery store’s nut butter aisle for more organic options.

Savory Flaxseed Waffles

A decadent way to eat flaxseeds that provides endless options! Use the waffles as a sandwich bread replacement, spread on nut butter, or pour real maple syrup over them for a Sunday brunch. Click here for the recipe. Make the meal even more lavish with this chocolate & flax pudding!

Broccoli and Cashew Chicken

Enjoy a hearty, comforting, and superfood-powered dish that can easily be made in big batches for meal prepping. Broccoli (buy the supplement here) is designed to kill cancer cells, and cashews help optimize your selenium levels (see the selenium section above for more info). Click here for the recipe. 

General Health Benefits Provided by Nuts and Seeds

• • Walnuts: Great for your heart thanks to their high amounts of Vitamin E.
  • Almonds: Amazing source of calcium and magnesium and help stabilize blood sugar. 
  • Cashews: Nutrures your brain thanks to being a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids and magnesium. If you don’t eat meat, cashews provide Vitamin B12. It is crucial to red blood cell formation, new cell growth, glucose metabolism, and maintaining our nervous system and thinking skills.
  • Pumpkin seeds: Excellent source of antioxidants and magnesium. Tryptophan makes them an excellent sleep companion. 

The Gut-Healthy Way to Eat Dry Nuts and Seeds

Perhaps the only downside to consuming nuts and some seeds may be difficult to digest. It is best to soak your dry nuts and seeds before you eat them. Even if you don’t have a sensitive gut, soaking them is still a good idea. The outer coating acts like a “digestive enzyme inhibitor,” and soaking them removes this coating. Simply soak them your nuts and seeds in a container of fresh spring water with a pinch of sea or Himalayan salt overnight (or for at least 8 hours) and then let them air dry or use your dehydator. 

It’s time to get nutty! Enjoy!