Mushrooms are thought to protect against breast cancer cell (MFC-7) proliferation particularly because they contain chemicals that inhibit an enzyme called aromatase, which produces estrogen. “In cell” or in situ aromatase activity and cell proliferation were measured using MCF-7aro, an aromatase-transfected breast cancer cell line. Researchers showed that the white button mushroom (species Agaricus bisporus) suppresses the activity of aromatase, resulting in a reduction of estrogen production at the cell level, which is a major contributor to postmenopausal breast cancer in women. This is the reason believed that a diet high in mushrooms may be beneficial in reducing cell production of estrogen that may lead to breast cancer. (17)
