A new study shows that those women whose diets were low in red meat, sodium and processed carbohydrates and high in plant based foods and legumes may have a somewhat decreased risk of developing one type of breast cancer,

The findings, from a large, long-running study of U.S. nurses, showed that women with diets high in plant foods — but low in red meat, sodium and processed carbohydrates — tended to have a lower risk of developing certain breast tumors.

Of more than 86,000 women the study followed for 26 years, slightly less than one percent developed ER-negative breast cancer.

The risk, researchers found, was lower among women whose diets most closely resembled the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet — an eating plan experts recommended for lowering blood pressure. It emphasizes vegetables, fruit, fiber-rich grains, legumes and nuts, and low-fat dairy.

People who manage to stay healthy and diabetes free as they age share some healthy habits.

The five key traits they share represent healthy habits which anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

Normal weight They were not overweight or obese, and maintained a body mass index below 25 (a threshold equivalent to 155 pounds for a 5-foot, 6-inch woman).

Nonsmoking They had never been regular smokers, or they’d been smoke-free for at least 10 years.

Physically active They got at least 20 minutes of heart-pounding, sweat-inducing exercise three or more times per week.

Healthy diet They consumed a diet with lots of fiber, little trans fat, few refined or sugary carbohydrates, and a high ratio of good (polyunsaturated) to bad (saturated) fats.

Little to no drinking They used alcohol in moderation, if at all — two drinks or less a day for men, and one drink or less for women.