Its happened before, and it will happen again, two opposing conflicting medical views regarding the efficiancy of certain foods.
Under the Scienceagogo microscope we have Grapefruit juiceBack in 1997, just ten years ago, it was stated that two new studies found that Orange and Grapefruit juice significantly delayed the growth of breast cancer cells and reducing LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.
"These implications are potentially enormous, because a powerful weapon against breast cancer and high cholesterol may be as close as your kitchen," said Dr. Kenneth Carroll, director of the Centre for Human Nutrition.
The study showed that test animals fed orange juice had their LDL cholesterol reduced by 43 percent, while those fed grapefruit juice had their LDL cholesterol reduced by 32 percent.
Mice that received orange juice or grapefruit juice in place of drinking water had 50 percent fewer tumours and metastases.
http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/cgi/news/release?id=36523***************
But today, July 2007, Its all Change.Apparently drinking Grapefruit juice significantly raises the risk of developing Breast Cancer by almost 1/3rd
A study of 50,000 post-menopausal women found eating just a quarter of a grapefruit daily raised the risk by up to 30%.
Women who ate one quarter of a grapefruit or more every day had a higher risk of breast cancer than those who did not eat the fruit at all.
Researchers did warn that more research was needed to confirm the findings which may have been affected because they only took into account intake of the fruit, but not grapefruit juice.
But studies have shown that a molecule called cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is involved in metabolising oestrogen hormones.
And grapefruit may boost blood oestrogen levels by inhibiting this molecule, allowing the hormones to build up.
The researchers found that in women who ate at least a quarter of a grapefruit daily, levels of oestrogen were higher.
They said: "It is well established that oestrogen is associated with breast cancer risk.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6900482.stm*****Thoughts.
The above is interesting because I happen to know that many UK Hospitals do not serve patients Grapefruit juice,
nor allow it to be sold in the 'hospital shop', because it has been shown to upset the oestrogen level in women who were recieving sub-cutaneous anti pregnancy therapy
I think these two Universitys should contact each other and get their act together.
Just what should we believe?
A few years ago it was....'Forget Butter, use Margerine'
But now its back to Butter.....what a mess.