It's important to raise awareness of breast cancer, but it's time to tone down the pink. When it comes to winning the war on breast cancer, eating "green" - and encouraging others to do the same - is more effective than buying pink.
Numerous studies have shown that women who eat mostly fruits, vegetables, and soy foods are much less likely to develop breast cancer than women who eat meat, eggs, and dairy products. National Cancer Institute researchers have found that women who eat meat every day are nearly four times more likely to get breast cancer than those who don't.
Other leading researchers in both America and Asia concur that women who eat a typical Western diet - high in meat, fat, and sugar - face a higher risk of breast cancer than women who eat a typical Asian diet, which is high in soy and vegetables. Renowned nutrition expert Dr. Dean Ornish reports, "In Japan and other countries where the consumption of animal fat is much lower, breast cancer is rare."
Eating fatty foods, animal protein, and heavily processed foods can boost one's risk of breast cancer and other diseases, while eating plant-based foods can lower it. Plant-based foods are typically low in saturated fat and high in fiber and phytochemicals, which knock out carcinogens and fight inflammation. Going vegan can even help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer beat the disease.
Studies also show that vegans are nine times less likely to be obese than meat-eaters are, and maintaining a healthy weight is key to preventing breast cancer.
