In a new study, researchers found that consumption of fruits lowered the risk of breast cancer in teenage women. But women that are excessive drinkers might increase the risk of cancer a follow-up study countered. Scientists traced 90,000 female nurses over 20 years, half of which recorded their diets from adolescence to early adulthood.
Specifically, consumption of bananas, grapes, and apples had the most impact in decreasing the risk. And participants who ate at least three servings while they were young showed a 25 percent reduced risk by the time they became middle-aged adults compared to another control group that only ate just half of the number of servings.
Oranges and kale also displayed the same results; consuming fruit juices, however, did not have the same effect. Study author, Maryam Farvid, a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health visiting scientist, said, “This study also has an important message for schools and the need to provide students with the opportunity to consume more fruits and vegetables as part of the school meal program.”
Analysts advised that the conclusions weren’t based on cause-and-effect evidence but showed an association Tech Times reports.
The alcohol-related study was conducted in Denmark as 22,000 post-menopausal Danish were observed. Those women who consumed two drinks daily over the course of five years indicated a 30 percent higher chance in developing breast cancer. Both the fruit and alcohol studies were published in the May 11th issue of The BMJ journal.
But rates in developing coronary heart disease were lowered in the same study group in contrast to women who limited their alcohol consumption. Danish researchers indicated, “There may be some benefit with low to moderate intakes of alcohol, but this could be outweighed by an increased risk of breast cancer and other morbidities.”
Additionally, ischemic heart risk can be reduced by altering one’s lifestyle or by taking medication scientists observed.