A new study has found that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and other healthy plant-based foods, like whole grains, may significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Over 65,000 women were included in the study and were monitored for breast cancer over a 20-year time span. Of the women, 3,968 developed breast cancer, and these cases were linked to diets with a higher intake of less healthy foods, such as refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages. Overall, postmenopausal women who ate a healthy, plant-based diet had a 14% lower risk of developing breast cancer. This study emphasizes the role healthy, nutritious food can play role in cancer prevention.
For more information, check out the American Cancer Society’s Guideline for Diet and Physical Activity, which emphasizes the benefits of eating healthy, plant-based foods for people of all ages.
Reference: Shah S, Mahamat-Saleh Y, Ait-Hadad W, Varraso R, Boutron-Ruault MC, Laouali N. Adherence to Healthy and Unhealthy Plant-Based Diets and Risk of Breast Cancer Overall and by Hormone Receptor and Histologic Subtypes Among Postmenopausal Women. Curr Dev Nutr. 2022 Jun 14;6(Suppl 1):253. doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzac052.020. PMCID: PMC9193941.
Laura Bustard is an actuary who is passionate about plants. She has conducted research on the emergency food system and prescription-produce, and recently worked for FairShare CSA Coalition in Madison, WI. She now lives in Goleta, CA, and works remotely for The Standard, holding a Masters of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and a Fellowship from the Society of Actuaries.
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