A recent e-newsletter from Dr. Weil listed 7 nutrition tips that help lower your risk of breast cancer.

Diet and nutrition can affect your risk of breast cancer, especially if you have a family history of the disease. The following dietary practices may help to prevent or lessen the risks of breast cancer – we encourage all women to give them a try:

  1. Keep your fat content low. Below 25 percent of your daily calories is ideal.
  2. Avoid animal fats, polyunsaturated fats (many vegetable oils), and hydrogenated oils (margarines and vegetable shortenings) – all can increase cancer risks.
  3. Use healthy fats: monounsaturates such as extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground flaxseed and oily fish such as wild Alaskan salmon and sardines (which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids) may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
  4. Include whole soy products in your diet. Soy foods contain many cancer-protective substances, including isoflavones. Try to eat one to two servings of whole soy-based foods a day.
  5. Avoid alcohol. Even in modest amounts, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
  6. Minimize your consumption of ordinary meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Replace with organic, hormone-free versions and use sparingly.
  7. Eat more fruits and vegetables! They contain many different cancer-protective phytonutrients.