Understanding how food effects our health is a hot topic and one of my key areas of interests.  So, in knowing the profound effects whole foods have on the body, I was alarmed when I saw this new research suggesting that eating only one quarter of a grapefruit a day can raise a woman's risk of breast cancer by a whopping 30%.

That is a pretty bold statement made about any whole food source and quite disturbing.  Obviously, there are many other lifestyle factors contributing to these instances of cancer such as smoking and alcohol consumption that need to be taken into consideration, too.  Cancer is the product of several adverse conditions within the body and not the product of one single element.   

The study is question followed 50,000 post-menopausal women who ate at least one quarter of a grapefruit each day.  Scientists concluded that these women had higher levels of the hormone oestrogen and these elevated levels lead to breast cancer.

They said: "It is well established that oestrogen is associated with breast cancer risk."

OK, so take this into consideration amongst the rest of you daily input (food) and output (exercise) and weigh the risks for yourself; moderation is key. 

However, she said that some dietary patterns are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers and that a diet rich in a variety of different fruits and vegetables could help reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

In other words, variety is the spice of life and you should strive to eat an abundance of healthy whole foods (everyday), leaving no room for unhealthy processed foods that leave your body starving for nutrients yet supply tons of empty calories.   

A wide variety of healthy carbohydrates, fats, and proteins will provide your body with a wide array of nutrients for growth and maintenance of muscle; thus keeping you healthy, strong, and growing younger.