Cancer Prevention Breakthroughs

Photo by: CN Digital Studio

Folate isn't only for pregnant ladies.

Women with high levels of folate in their diet have a 40 percent lower risk for premenopausal breast cancer compared with women who consume little of the B vitamin, researchers at Vanderbilt University and the Shanghai Cancer Institute discovered. Your cells use folate to make and repair DNA, and damaged genes can spur cancer growth. Also cool: Getting enough of the vitamin may ... more 

Photo by: CN Digital Studio

Folate isn't only for pregnant ladies.

Women with high levels of folate in their diet have a 40 percent lower risk for premenopausal breast cancer compared with women who consume little of the B vitamin, researchers at Vanderbilt University and the Shanghai Cancer Institute discovered. Your cells use folate to make and repair DNA, and damaged genes can spur cancer growth. Also cool: Getting enough of the vitamin may offset the risks of moderate drinking. Alcohol blocks the absorption of folate and has been linked to an increased risk for breast cancer.

What to do: Aim for 400 micrograms of folate daily by loading up on foods such as leafy greens and citrus fruit. No supplement needed.

Your perk: A happier mood. Folate stimulates production of the feel-good chemical serotonin. People with low levels are more likely to be depressed.

less