A
US study suggests teenagers and young women who eat a high-fibre diet based on
eating plenty of fruit and vegetables have a reduced risk of breast cancer in later life.
This
large and lengthy study tracked around 90,000 US female nurses over 20 years.
It found that women whose dietary habits during adolescence and early adulthood
placed them in the top fifth highest average fibre intake group (top quintile)
were around 25% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to women in the
bottom quintile.
This
raises the suggestion that young women might be able to significantly lower
their risk of breast cancer simply by eating more high-fibre foods, such as
fruits and vegetables.
However,
other associated diet and lifestyle factors may be affecting this outcome. Even
if the link is with high-fibre food, it could still be down to benefits other
than fibre found in fruit and veg.
If
the link does exist, it's unclear why fibre could prevent breast cancer. One
speculation offered in the study is that fibres may reduce levels of
circulating oestrogen, which is known to trigger abnormal breast tissue growth.
These
uncertainties aside, the study is in line with recommendations to eat at least five portions of fruit
or vegetables a day to
reduce your risk of a variety of diseases.
source: NHS UK
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