Eating a healthy diet is important for so many reasons, from potentially reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis, to possibly improving your overall health. Research is increasingly showing that adopting a healthy diet, especially one that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, helps to maintain a healthy weight and therefore may help to prevent various types of cancer, including breast cancer, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reports

According to the AICR, plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants, which may prevent damage to cells that may ultimately trigger cancer. They also are brimming with phytochemicals, or plant-based chemicals, that may help prevent and fight cancer with their potential to boost the immune system, block substances we’re exposed to from becoming carcinogenic, reduce inflammation in our bodies and other actions  

To reduce your risk of breast cancer, the experts at breastcancer.org recommend that you:

• Eat at least five cups of vegetables and fruit a day. (If your goals include weight loss, just keep an eye on how much fruit you’re eating — eat as many non-starchy vegetables as you’d like!)
• Avoid trans fats, processed meats, and charred or smoked foods.
• Eat foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as seafood, nuts and seeds, and some plant oils.