A new Danish study indicates that rye bread may be particularly effective in producing the cancer-fighting substance enterolactone.

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Enterolactone intake via whole grains has been linked to breast cancer prevention and the Danish study, a cooperation between Combatting Cancer and the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS), found a strong link between bread type and formation of enterolactone.


The study raised pigs, since their formation and use of enterolactone is well studied, on white versus rye bread and measured a significant difference in enterolactone levels.


“It is epoch-making that we could demonstrate that there is so clear an effect in relation to protecting against breast cancer,” said DIAS researcher Knud Erik Bach Knudsen.


The study recommended regular intake of whole grains, and particularly rye, to maintain high enterolactone levels in the blood.

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