Share

Grapefruit ups breast risk

A daily serving of 1/4 grapefruit or more could raise a woman's risk of breast cancer by up to 30 percent, a study published in the British Journal of Cancer concludes.

Grapefruit is thought to boost the effects of oestrogen, the female hormone that's been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, researchers at the University of South Carolina and the University of Hawaii wrote.

Study leaders asked some 50 000 post-menopausal women how often they ate the fruit, and how large the portions were, BBC News reported.

More studies needed
The researchers conceded that more study was needed because the questionnaires did not account for consumption of grapefruit juice, only the fruit itself, the BBC said.

The report cited a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, Dr Joanne Lunn, who agreed that follow-up research was needed.

"This study is simply a piece of the jigsaw that will eventually help us to understand how our diets affect our health," she said. – (HealthDayNews)

Read more:
Grapefruit works as diet aid
Breast Centre

July 2007

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE