Beans and Lentils Prevent Breast Cancer

Women eat beans and lentils often a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer than women who rarely eat, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer (2005, 114:628-33).

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in women. Many studies have examined the effects of specific diets on the risk of breast cancer and found that a diet high in fat (especially animal fat) were low in fiber and the risk for diet, fish cold water (salmon and tuna, including B), many fruits and vegetables and other foods high in fiber protection measures. Some but not all, studies have shown that a vegetarian diet may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Legumes such as beans and lentils, are an important source of protein in the vegetarian diet. They are rich in protecting some of the dietary components, probably of cancer, including antioxidants, fiber and phytoestrogens. The possible protective effect of cancer pulses has not been studied.

This study used data from a large ongoing study in Study II of the Nurses' Health, examine associations between lifestyle factors and habits of the disease of stars. A total of 90 638 women from 26 to 46 years who have not checked for cancer in early breast cancer for eight years, the Nurses' Health Study II. The women answered dietary questionnaires at the beginning of the analysis and after four years. They were used for the recruitment of flavonols, a family of chemicals found in plant foods, and it is known that the antioxidant properties appreciate. The risk of breast cancer in women whose diet with large amounts of flavonols is no different risk among women whose diet low flavonols, but (the analysis of the effects of different foods rich in flavonoids, tea , onions, apples, green beans, broccoli, green peppers have shown, blueberries and vegetables) that the family of pulses, the risk of breast cancer significantly reduced. Women had, beans or lentils two or more times per week ate a 34% lower risk of breast cancer than women who ate one or less per month.

These results suggest that women reduce the risk of breast cancer by eating beans and lentils often. This positive effect can be attributed to their rich content of flavonols and fiber, or other, yet unknown, characteristic of beans and lentils. In addition to beans and lentils are a good source of protein and some animal foods in the diet to replace when they are combined into a pellet, a complete protein. Moreover, previous studies have shown that vegetable consumption may be effective for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Further research is needed to determine which aspects of beans and lentils are cancer. For now you can eat beans and lentils often for women who reduced their risk of breast cancer and more generally to improve the health of their diet is recommended.

Maureen Williams, ND, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. It has a private practice in Quechee, VT, and does extensive work with traditional herbal medicine (Obat Herbal untuk Darah Tinggi) in Guatemala and Honduras. Dr. Williams is a regular contribution to health notes Newswire.