Cutting back on carbs-and choosing the right ones-can reduce your cholesterol, whittle your waistline and, according to new Swedish research, fend off breast cancer too. Findings indicate that women who overdo it on bread and pasta have a 34% greater risk for the disease than those who watch their intake. In addition, individuals who eat potatoes, white rice and other "high glycemic" carbs are 81% more likely to get breast cancer than those who stick to whole grains. The reason? White, refined starches that break down quickly make insulin and estrogen levels spike, which can cause breast cancer to develop and spread.

No more than half of your daily calories should come from carbs. As often as you can, go with dark starches, like bran or oat cereals, whole-wheat pasta and bread, brown rice and yams.

healthy news by Jane Bianchi, Family Circle Nov.1.09