SUPER FOOD

Pomegranates HAVE JOINED THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER

By Christian Dischler

With a flavor as delicious as it is elusive, the pomegranate has danced across the human palate for centuries. Originally from Northern India, these unassuming fruits are packed with nutrients beneficial to our health. Each pomegranate seed (called arils) contains high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals. These nutrients provide an astronomical number of benefits. Ranging from anti-inflammatory properties, strengthening our blood cell counts, reducing protein buildup and calcification, dissolving gallstones or kidney stones, and restoring glucose levels to our liver. This tiny super food truly does it all.

According to an aggregate study published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), “in Ayurvedic medicine, the pomegranate was considered to be a whole pharmacy unto itself.” Its ability to help prevent breast cancer is more important than ever. In a year where 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important to be aware of how to prevent the disease before it’s too late.

Pomegranates contain polyphenols, antioxidants and specifically phytochemicals called ellagitannins—which are recognized medically for their ability to downregulate estrogen responsive genes. This is important in the prevention of breast cancer, because “steroid hormones, particularly estrogens, are believed to play a central role in development of breast cancer.” By reducing this influx of harmful hormones, we reduce our risk of developing breast cancer.

The ellagitannins contained in pomegranates actively regulate how these toxic hormones interact with our bodies, and help us manage their damage. Direct links have been drawn by medical studies, with the NLM stating that “several studies investigating the chemo preventative potential of pomegranate against breast cancer have highlighted the importance of antioxidant properties manifested in its components.” Furthermore, going on to recognize that “data suggest that intake of pomegranate may be a beneficial strategy for breast cancer chemoprevention.” In short, pomegranates flush out the bad hormones and promote the good.

Whether it’s the anti-estrogenic functionality of the pomegranate, or the antioxidant activity—there’s no reason to keep this super fruit out of your diet. Use it as a garnish on savory dishes like guacamole, or pick up a bottle of pomegranate juice to give yourself a boost midday. It will replenish your glucose levels and ensure your liver won’t need to pump cortisol into your blood to keep you going. However you choose to enjoy this remarkable fruit, your body will thank you for its restorative benefits and total wellness contributions to a cancer-free life.

The Autumn issue of Inspire Health is my favorite! We get to think about the string of holidays right around the corner: firepit nights drinking pomegranate Sangria and enjoying the cooler weather and crisp nights. Autumn makes you want to get moving and get out. That’s the perfect medicine for whatever ails you.

No matter what you are faced with, whether you are recovering from an illness or injury, or you just have the blues, autumn air is the cure.

Remember to get your mammogram once a year and read our article on self examination and cancer prevention. Together, we can reduce the number of women who become the latest breast cancer statistic. Together, we can help and encourage breast cancer survivors to stay healthy through diet and exercise. Together, we can support families who are suffering through domestic violence.

Together we can Inspire Health,

Suzanne Fox

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executive publishers Hal G. Fox & Suzanne Polk Fox

managing editor Suzanne Polk Fox

copy editor Christian Dischler Chad Ruiz

contributing writers Amber Arevalos Katherine Coggeshall Christian Dischler Dr. Aaron Dutruch D. C. Elizabeth Impasato Julie Maddock Donna Mavis Juliane Morris Nellie Palmer Mary Ann Podwall design Suzanne Polk Fox Claire Thomas

The information contained in Inspire Health is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Inspire Health for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Inspire Health, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Inspire Health and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Inspire Health. Readers should not use the information in Inspire Health for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.

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