Fiber Controls Estrogen in Breast Cancer Patients

Apples and Broccoli -- a high-fiber diet was associated with a significant decrease in the reproductive hormone estradiol in women previously diagnosed with breast cancer, according to a study from the University of California–San Diego. Researchers measured serum reproductive steroid hormones, which are suspected of playing an important role in the development of breast cancer, in 291 women with a history of the disease at enrollment and again one year later.  Women who increased their intakes of fiber, vegetables, and fruits while reducing fat had a decrease of bioavailable estradiol, which may decrease the risk of cancer recurrence and increase overall survival.

Journal of Clinical Oncology 2004; 22:2379-87. Link to article