Of Grapefruit and Beautiful Boobs
I am obsessed with breasts. 
No, you dirty girl, not obsessed with looking at them (although I admit to checking out my own for updates on southward sliding).
No, I am obsessed with how nutrition can help keep our breasts HEALTHY.
Taking Boobs Personally
Several years ago my tough-as-nails mom had a bilateral mastectomy. Mom has always been a pretty health-conscious person. Maybe she did hit the brownies a little hard once in a while, but all in all she leads a healthful lifestyle - never smoked, doesn’t drink (one glass of chardonnay and she tips over), plenty of fruit, veggies and she plays tennis like a 65-year old Maria Sharapova.
Mom also takes pride in the fresh-squeezed glass of grapefruit juice she enjoys every morning.
Anyhow, ever since mom’s battle with breast cancer I’ve been vigilant about keeping up on the latest news on breast cancer prevention and treatment.
The Newest News
The British Journal of Cancer Research reports a study of 50,000 post-menopausal women, conducted by the Universities of Southern California and Hawaii found that eating just ¼ of a grapefruit daily increased the risk of breast cancer by up to 30%.
The study included women subjects from more than 5 ethnic groups.
A Grapefruit/Cancer Link?
Researchers hypothesize that grapefruit boosts estrogen, a hormone that is generally associated with higher risk of breast cancer.
What About The Juice?
Because grapefruit, not juice, was used in the study researchers say they’ll continue to examine whether the intake of grapefruit juice has the same effect. Personally, I can’t think of why juice would cause a different reaction than fruit. I mean, it is the same thing, right? Unless when you eat the fruit you really get into it and eat the rind???
Take Care Of Yourself
I can’t stress how important it is for women to remember to do monthly self breast exams and to get their mammograms. I know those machines that squish your booby like a pancake are no fun but do you know what makes it feels much better? A post-mammie shopping spree! As soon as you ditch that awful paper dress they make you wear you hit Nordtrom Rack. See, fashion makes the medicine go down baby!
Let’s Be Serious
Breast cancer strikes more women in the world than any other type of cancer. That is serious stuff ladies. You owe it to yourself, your family and your friends to take care of your Girls.
Now go ahead and raise a toast (of pomegranate juice, please) to you and yours!
breast cancer, grapefruit, Maria Sharapova, nutrition tips, health tips, healthy eating tips
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:14 am
nice article about grapefruit…very informative and beneficial for me..thx