This may be old news to some of you, that grapefruit is linked to breast cancer. I just read this study that came out last July for the first time today. Who would have thought grapefruit could cause cancer. I eat grapefruit regularly and believe the fruit to curb cravings while satisfying my sweet tooth.
A study of 50,000 post-menopausal women found eating just a quarter of a grapefruit daily raised the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 30%.
The fruit is thought to boost levels of estrogen - the hormone associated with a higher risk of the disease, the British Journal of Cancer reported.
Previous studies have shown that a molecule called cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is involved in metabolizing estrogen hormones.
And grapefruit may boost blood estrogen levels by inhibiting this molecule, allowing the hormones to build up.
The researchers found that in women who ate at least a quarter of a grapefruit daily, levels of estrogen were higher.
They said: "It is well established that estrogen is associated with breast cancer risk.
Considering the fact that I'm a young woman and this study involved post-menopausal women, I wont be eliminating grapefruit from my diet completely. However I will cut down on my grapefruit intake. There are many other health benefits associated with grapefruit as well. In fact grapefruit is considered to be one of The World's Healthiest Foods.
Will you continue to eat grapefruit after reading this study?
SOURCE