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Harvard conducted a study on 90, 000 women and concluded that the consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce breast cancer risk later in life.
Harvard conducted a study on 90, 000 women and concluded that the consumption of fruits and vegetables can reduce breast cancer risk later in life.
Researchers found that teenage girls as well as young women who had a diet based on high fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, during their early adulthood have lower chances to develop breast cancer. It is a widely known fact that breast cancer is the most spread type of cancer among women. For example in the UK one in eight women present the risk of developing this disease while 50, 000 women are diagnosed every year.
It was shown that one fifth of cases are diagnosed before 50, when cancer becomes more aggressive. The study has evaluated the basic diet and lifestyle of women with ages between 27 and 44 for 20 years. At some point during this study, 2,833 women were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Researchers showed that every 10 grams of fiber per day consumed during teenage years was associated with lowering the risk of breast cancer by 14%. In addition, it has been suggested that it is very important to choose high fiber products so as to meet the recommended 25 to 30 grams per day. They demonstrated that consuming high fiber foods might reduce the estrogen level in the blood, which is believed to be related with breast cancer development.
A high fiber diet not only helps preventing cancer, but also contributes to a variety of health improvements such as weight loss, lower risk of diabetes or reduction of asthmatic problems and allergy symptoms. Dr. Walter Willett, study co-author, said that
“breast tissue is particularly influenced by carcinogens and anti-carcinogens during childhood and adolescence“.
This can only mean that whatever we may consume during childhood can have a very serious effects on developing future diseases. Moreover, the main author of the study, Dr. Farvid stated that
“this work on the role of nutrition in early life and breast cancer incidence suggests one of the very few potentially modifiable risk factors for pre-menopausal breast cancer”.
These findings are crucial for women of any age because it can help them choosing a better diet. A healthy diet lowers the chances of developing breast cancer or other medical problems. It is very important to keep a healthy body weight as well, cutting down alcohol and being active all the time.
Fruits and vegetables can reduce breast cancer risk. Moreover, they help us to have a better life in general due to the fact that they contain substances that also improve the functioning of our brain.
Photo Credits: Wikimedia
