A very low fat, high fiber diet may lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
High blood estrogen levels may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. This study investigated the effects of a very low fat, high fiber diet on reproductive hormone levels, menstrual function, and breast cancer prevention. 12 healthy premenopausal women were placed on a recommended diet containing high fiber with a very low fat content for 3 months. Their ovulatory cycles were thoroughly monitored during this period.
At the end of the second month of feeding the subjects a low fat, high fiber diet, researchers discovered that serum estrogen levels for all the women had decreased significantly. However, no changes were observed in the blood levels of progesterone, estrogen sulfate, and sex hormone binding globulin, or in their ovulatory cycles.
These findings provide evidence that a low fat, high fiber diet may considerably reduce breast cancer risk in females.