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Pomegranate Juice for Prostate Cancer
August 31, 2009
Pomegranate juice may slow the progression of post-treatment prostate cancer, according to a clinical trial which followed 48 prostate cancer patients over six years. Following cancer treatment, researchers tracked how long it took for PSA levels in the men to double. (PSA is a biomarker which indicates the presence of cancer. Doubling times are crucial because those whose PSAs double the fastest are most likely to die from the cancer).
Immediately after prostate cancer treatment, PSA levels should be undetectable. PSA detected indicates an aggressive cancer that is likely to progress. All of the men enrolled in the study had detectable PSA following treatment, and more than 80 percent experienced improvement in PSA doubling times in conjunction with pomegranate juice consumption. PSA levels remained stable nearly four times longer for men who drank the pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate juice contains a number of antioxidants thought to have anti-cancer effects. It also contains estrogen-like plant substances called phytoestrogens that could be useful in combating prostate cancer. (Allan J. Pantuck, UCLA, American Urological Association in San Antonio, May 2005)
In addition, lowering the blood cholesterol levels through natural means can also significantly help prostate cancer. While cholesterol does not cause prostate cancer, it does fuel tumor growth. As a result, prostate cancer growth slows significantly or even halts when blood cholesterol is lowered. (Dr. Michael Freeman Journal of Clinical Investigation March 2005)
Topics: Health News