According to the research, the incidence of breast cancer in women has increased from 1 in 20 in 1960 to 1 in 8 today, yet in Asian countries where a great deal of soya is eaten, breast cancer is much less widespread.

It has been commonly assumed that one of the reasons for this is the protective effect of a higher intake of phyto-oestrogens such as isoflavones and lignanes. In Asian countries the main source of these isoflavones is from soya. Lignanes are found mainly in grains, seeds and berries.

Researchers compared the diet of 383 Dutch women with breast cancer with the diet of 383 healthy women. They noted that women with the highest intake of isoflavones ran 30% less risk of developing breast cancer than women with a low intake of isoflavones. Soya is the most important source of isoflavones in Dutch diets. And these results are irrespective of whether the women are going through the menopause or not.

Additional research is required in order to confirm these results. However the researchers believe that isoflavones may offer protection against the development of breast cancer among European women.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Alpro® soya's delicious range of products is the perfect basis for a healthy and nutritious lifestyle. Included in the range are Alpro Original and Alpro Light, which are great tasting alternatives to milk, perfect in tea or over cereal. Alpro soya's smooth and creamy range of soya probiotic yogurts and desserts make perfect healthy snacks. With so many tasty products to choose from, it is easy to maintain a good intake of these naturally occurring isoflavones.