A balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruit may decrease the risk of breast cancer, according to a large study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers studied the dietary habits of nearly 60,000 women in the Black Women’s Health Study. Women following a more balanced, plant-based diet had a lower incidence of breast cancer, compared with others in the study. The results indicated that younger women and those at a healthy weight may especially benefit.
Participants following a typical Western diet of refined grains, processed meat and sweets showed no benefits. Other studies have found that the Western diet may lead to increased cancer risk.
Agurs-Collins T, Rosenburg L, Makambi K, Palmer JR, Adams-Campbell L. Dietary patterns and breast cancer risk in women participating in the Black Women’s Health Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;90:621-628.
