Why Cruciferous Vegetables And Red Grapes Can Assist in Preventing Cancer By Li Zheng and Barry P
Hormone balance is related to the function of the aromatase enzyme. This enzyme is found in fat tissue, muscle, breast, ovaries, brain and prostate. Aromatase is the rate-limiting step in estrogen metabolism. This enzyme converts the androgens such as testosterone and androstenedione to the bad estrogens such as estradiol and estrone. In post-menopausal women, aromatase in fat tissue is the primary source of circulating estrogens. Optimizing the estrogen level is essential for optimizing overall health in both women and men.
If estrogen is relatively too strong compared to progesterone it creates a condition called estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance relates to increased breast, ovary and uterus cancer rate. When women go through menopause, they tend to develop an estrogen dominant condition because their progesterone level has dropped much more than their estrogen level. Estrogen stimulates the nervous system causing mood swing, depression and insomnia.
The abnormal expression of aromatase can lead to estrogen dominance condition which also stimulates breast tissue and prostate gland to grow in men. Masayoshi Hiramatsu et al. suggested, in his book called Prostate, that the over-expression of aromatase is possibly attributable to abnormal gene regulation which may play a role in the induction or development of human prostatic disorders. What can lead to the abnormal expression of this enzyme? Alcohol can promote the activity of aromatase. Fat tissue stores a lot of estrogen. Overweight men tend to have a higher level of estrogen.
Alcohol compromises the liver function and also enhances the activities of aromatase. That is why alcoholics have higher level of estrogen and a lower level of testosterone. They tend to have larger stomachs and breasts with spider veins. Men, who drink alcohol every day even in small amounts, can have an early onset of enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating and frequent night urination. Alcoholics tend to develop impotence (ED) due to a lowered level of testosterone. They also have mood swings and depression because of the imbalance of their hormones. As a result, more and more men develop breast and prostate cancer.
A new cancer fighting drug is called aromatase inhibitor which shuts down the production of estrogen. A substantial amount of research is being done to identify potential phytonutrients such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C), diindolylmethane (DIM) and resveratrol which can optimize the activity of aromatse. That is why many cancer preventing diets include cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts. Those vegetables serve as an aromatase inhibitor, reduce inflammation and are potent anti-oxidants.
Dr. Li Zheng is a graduate of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and has a PhD in medical science. She has practiced as a physician in China and is a licensed acupuncturist & herbalist for well over 27 years. In addition, she is also a professor and clinical supervisor at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science and is Director of Natural Medicine at the American Chinese Medicine Exchange Society.
Li has authored four books: Acupuncture and Hormone Balance, Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs for Common Diseases, Acupuncture and Infertility and Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Problems. You can visit her website at https://bostonchineseacupuncture.org/.
Barry P is an engineer, attorney and has been a CEO of quite a few small businesses. He knows the body has the capacity to heal itself provided we choose the correct food, environment and life style as well as acupressure and complementary medicine if needed. His way of being is largely based upon eastern metaphysical teachings and concepts. Meditation, mindfulness, awareness, connectedness, oneness and being present are some terms you may be familiar with. A healthy, sane and happy life is our choice.
