Have you heard? The pomegranate has been linked to prevent breast cancer!
That’s right, in a report from the Cancer Prevention Research, a team from the City of Hope Cancer Center at Duarte in California, stated, “Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumours. The aromatase enzyme, which converts androgen to estrogen, plays a key role in breast carcinogenesis.” That adds the pomegranate to our list of fruit fighting cancer!
So in other words, some forms of breast cancer are links to estrogen. It’s a wonder how a hormone that does so much good, could also do so much bad. These researchers discovered that pomegranate has several phytochemical compounds that block androgen from becoming estrogen.
Any fruit that is rich in color is loaded with antioxidants, therefore it is no wonder that the pomegranate is a rich source of antioxidants, like the ellagitannins. The research team commented that, “Ten ellagitannins-derived compounds including ellagic acid, gallagic acid (etc) were examined for their ability to inhibit aromatase activity and testosterone-induced breast cancer cell proliferation. We identified six with antiaromatase activity.”
Shiuan Chen, the lead author of the research team, mentioned, “We previously found other fruits, such as grapes, to be capable of the inhibition of aromatase”.
So it seems that many antioxidant fruits are capable of preventing cancer, however the researchers warn that these fruit shouldn’t be a substitute for medicine for those that already have the malignant disease.
Other Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer:
• Get regular mammograms
• Keep alcohol consumption low
• Eat well
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise
Other Health Benefits of the Pomegranate:
• Prevents cardiovascular diseases
• Lowers blood pressure
Pomegranates Stops Prostate Cancer Cells
Currently, there’s no cure for prostate cancer. Treatment for it involves surgery, suppression of testosterone and radiation. However, recent studies from the University of California reveals how the juice from pomegranates may have what it takes to stop the prostate cancer cells.
The testing procedure had researchers inject pomegranate juice on laboratory-cultured prostate cancer cells. The result was a significant cell adhesion, making the cells stick to each other and decreases the chance of spreading.
Pomegranate juice has conjugated fatty acids, flavones, hydrobenzoic acids and phenylpropanoids. These four ingredients are crucial in fighting the migration of the cancer cells. Proponent for the study, Professor Manuela Martins-Green said, “Because the genes and proteins involved in the movement of prostate cancer cells are essentially the same as those involved in the movement of other types of cancer cells, the same modified components of the juice could have a much broader impact in cancer treatment.”
As expected, further studies will begin on how pomegranate juice affects cancer patients. This could be a breakthrough in curing cancer.
Add Pomegranate Seeds to Salad, Stews and More
There are many recipes where pomegranate seeds are being used. To name a few, recipes, such as pomegranate stew with chicken, salad recipes, pomegranate granita and a lot more. Same with salads, there are many varieties of it and you just have to learn how to prepare it and simply choose a recipe that you like most.
Pomegranate is known to be a staple in the cuisine of Persian style. In fact its juice is popular and is most widely present in U.S. It is also not just widely known as the “super food” in nutritional aspects, but because making a juice out of pomegranate is very taxing and lots of fruits are needed. It is advised also to use the seeds or remove pomegranate while it is still fresh. It can stand up for a short time while baking and also keeps their color garnet.
In some preparations, you will need to know how to get pomegranate seeds out. It is actually not that difficult to remove pomegranate seeds. Simply keep it tidy first, utilize a large mixing bowl, and fill with water to half-full. Next, cut the pomegranate by half, and submerge it in water by halves. Using your hands, separate its seeds from its inner membrane. Remember, membranes are fragile and usually floats on the surface. Remove membrane and its outer rind while removing the seeds. Lastly, skim its surface for the tiny bits to be eliminated. Drain in colander, and there you go, seeds are all set to use.
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