It’s never too early for a woman to start thinking about what she can do to prevent breast cancer. And, according to new research, it could be as simple as watching what you eat, especially during your teenage years. Foods such as flaxseeds, multigrain bread, hummus and tofu are rich in phytoestrogens, which may protect teenage girls from developing this devastating disease later in life.

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like chemicals produced by some plants. Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded researcher Dr. Michelle Cotterchio looked at two types of phytoestrogens: lignans and isoflavones. Lignans are found in foods such as flaxseeds, grains, hummus, sesame seeds and dried apricots. Isoflavones are commonly found in soybeans and soy products, black bean sauce, alfalfa sprouts and protein bars. Continue reading →