Grapefruit and Breast Cancer?

A recent British study on 50,000 postmenopausal women indicates that regular grapefruit consumption may raise breast cancer risks. Might pesticides be a factor?

A recent British study has come out with some surprising information: Grapefruit, it seems to suggest, may be a risk factor in breast cancer.

Grapefruit has long been recommended for its health benefits: it is high in vitamin C, potassium, vitamin A, and other vitamins and minerals. It is touted for its ability to help with cleansing and weight loss. It is ranked as a "neutral" citrus fruit (neither very good nor very bad for health) by many alternative health practitioners: grapefruit is lower glycemic than oranges, but not as ideal for health as lemons.

But... a factor in breast cancer for postmenopausal women?

The researchers say, "There is evidence that grapefruit, an inhibitor of CYP3A4, increases plasma estrogen concentrations. Since it is well established that estrogen is associated with breast cancer risk, it is plausible that regular intake of grapefruit would increase a woman's risk of breast cancer."

The study has been criticized in some circles for using conventionally grown grapefruits. Given the amount of research into the dangers of pesticides, and the kind of heavy pesticide use that goes into growing citrus fruits, it seems possible and even likely that the estrogen effects observed in the women eating a lot of grapefruit are due to chemical pesticides, and not the fruit itself.

Here's hoping the follow-up study compares organic to conventional grapefruit consumption, so we get some real answers.