EFN

A new study released today provides some exciting news concerning the constant fight against breast cancer.

Pomegranates have been proven to help slow down or prevent estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. The majority of breast cancers are fueled by the naturally occurring estrogen hormone.

The tasty fruit is packed with ellagitannins or ellagic acid, which is part of the phytochemical group. Ellagitannins are used to counter the cancer causing enzyme, aromatose. Synthetically produced aromatose inhibitors are the standard protocol used to treat estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers. Pomegranates contain a high level of antioxidants and have been used for years to prevent heart problems.

There is more research needed to find out if pomegranates will help prevent other cancers. Researchers will also be evaluating whether or not juices and extracts will have the same effect on the aromatose enzyme as the fruit itself. Internal medicine doctor, Gary Stoner cautions the tests were completed in a lab and there is not any guarantee the pomegranates will have the same benefits in humans.

The study was led by Shiuan Chenco-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at City of Hope in Duarte, California and is published in the January edition of Cancer Prevention Research.