Fall is pomegranate season! Here's why you should be eating (and drinking) more of these beautiful red "gems."  Researchers at the City of Hope found that pomegranates contain six compounds that may prevent breast cancer growth by blocking aromatase, an enzyme known to play a key role in most breast cancers. Aromatase converts androgens to estrogens, and most breast cancers depend on estrogen to grow.  “By suppressing the production of estrogen, urolithin B and other phytochemicals found in pomegranates can prevent hormone-responsive breast cancer tumors from growing,” said researcher, Shiuan Chen, Ph.D. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant compounds that may benefit health.  The other phytochemicals in pomegranates found to inhibit aromatase activity are urolithin A (UA), methylated UA, acetylated UB, methylated UB and UB sulfate.  Previous research has shown that pomegranate juice is rich in active antioxidants and its compounds may slow growth of human breast and prostate cancer cells.

Let's spice it up!  One of my favorite herbal spices is Za'atar.  Za'atar is an aromatic, tart and nutty spice blend that originated in the Middle East and it always includes Hyssop, Sumac, Sesame Seeds and Salt, which are rich in antioxidants with antiseptic, antimicrobial, cancer-fighting, and potentially mood and brain boosting properties.  The use of herbal remedies, including Za'atar, is prevalent in breast cancer patients in Palestine.  Mix za'atar with olive oil and spread it over bread (or dough) before baking. Sprinkle on vegetables before roasting and add to your favorite soups. There are lots of recipes for Za'atar online. Try using Za'atar in these plant-based recipes at http://ow.ly/IZi450BzGAT.  Za'atar can be hard to find. To purchase on the internet, visit https://thespiceway.com/products/real-zaatar-with-hyssop... and https://thrivemarket.com/p/thrive-market-organic-zaatar.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a natural plant chemical found in cruciferous vegetables of the Brassica genus, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, radishes, and cabbage, is a promising anti-breast cancer compound.  Indole-3-carbinol influences a range of cellular processes, including lowering toxic estrogen. I3C has been shown to regulate the expression of numerous genes.  Combinations of I3C and the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen work together to inhibit the growth of the estrogen-dependent breast cancer more effectively than either agent alone.
To boost intake of I3C, eat more cruciferous vegetables of the Brassica genus, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, radishes, and cabbage or take as a supplement; 300 mg per day for breast cancer prevention.

Your immune system is one of the major defenses against cancer. Your diet must be balanced to kill cancerous or precancerous cells without causing deficiencies in your immune system or hormonal changes that can make you frail.  Multiple studies have demonstrated vitamin C to possess cancer-fighting properties, although its effectiveness in preventing cancer is controversial. For people at high risk for cancer, Dr. Valter Longo, PhD recommends discussing with your oncologist the option of taking 6 grams of buffered vitamin C or Ester-C® daily for a few weeks every six months. Vitamin C is not known to have major side effects taken at this level for a few weeks every six months.

Let's talk about the magic of mushrooms for breast cancer prevention!
A number of research studies have discovered compounds in mushrooms that were found to inhibit cancerous tumor growth, increase immune cells (particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment), and inhibit aromatase, an enzyme in breast cancer cells that will produce unwanted estrogen. The most common mushrooms studied are white button, turkey tail, Shitake and Maitake.  Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds called polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK). PSP and PSK appear to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The compounds in turkey tail may also offer benefits for gut health. It is not recommended you eat turkey tail in the wild. Turkey tail extract is also available in the form of a powder or tea.  Always follow the dosage instructions carefully. Because turkey tail is a fungus, anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should not use it.  More common and accessible, research has shown that eating just 5 white button mushrooms a day may be sufficient to suppress breast cancer tumor growth.  Learn more about the research at: http://ow.ly/cCTB50AX5Ix and https://nutritionfacts.org/video/breast-cancer-vs-mushrooms/.

Flavonoids, plant polyphenols present in fruits and vegetables, are emerging as promising arsenals for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases.  Many mechanisms of action for flavonoids in the prevention of breast cancer, include anti-estrogenic activity, induction of cancer cell death, prevention of oxidation, induction of detoxification enzymes, regulation of inflammation and the immune system, and changes in cellular signaling.  The main dietary sources of flavonoids include teas (particularly white, green, and oolong), citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) and citrus fruit juices, berries, cherries, apples, red and purple grapes, cocoa-based products, legumes, onions, scallions, kale, broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, red cabbage, parsley, thyme, oregano, celery, hot peppers.