Pomegranate panacea?

• Posted on January 10, 2010 at 9:42 pm

An article appearing early in 2010 reports a study researching whether pomegranates or pomegranate juice may help to prevent and slow the growth of breast cancer.

Specifically, the scientists found that a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins in pomegranates inhibited the growth of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer cells in laboratory tests. Researchers say these phytochemicals work by inhibiting aromatase, a key enzyme used by the body to make estrogen. Clinical trials are needed to determine if these results at a cellular level will translate into efficacy in humans.

“More research on the individual components and the combination of chemicals is needed to understand the potential risks and benefits of using pomegranate juice or isolated compounds for a health benefit or for cancer prevention,” says Powel Brown, MD, PhD, chairman of the clinical cancer prevention department at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Until then, researchers advise that people consider eating more pomegranates to protect against breast cancer. Maybe I’ll begin partaking of this interesting fruit, if I can find out how to eat it without making a mess. Otherwise, I’ll stick to drinking the juice.

The article can be found at  http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20100105/pomegranates-may-stall-breast-cancer?ecd=wnl_brc_010510

Bon appetit,

Jan

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