Mushrooms help prevent breast cancer?

We hear much about the healthy properties of our humble mushroom - and we're always wary about broadcasting food advice based on its value to medical science - but now we hear that mushrooms are being promoted as one of eight ingredients that can help prevent breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for one in three of all women cancer cases diagnosed. While age (over 65) and family history are unchangeable factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, there are other factors that can be controlled.

One of the ingredients reputed to assist prevention is Vitamin D3. This vitamin helps control cellular growth and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. According to holistic healing and natural health author Donald R. Yance Jr., "Vitamin D3 may also inhibit the activity of hormones such as estrogen in breast cancer, thereby decreasing its spread."

A University of Birmingham study also found that vitamin D3 encourages healthy breast cell growth while making cells more resistant to toxins.

One way to get vitamin D3 is through sun exposure--one study found that safely exposing your skin to the sun reduced the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40 percent. If that is not possible, you can get vitamin D3 in salmon, tuna, cod fish, cod liver oil, egg yolks, shrimp and some wild mushrooms.