Healthy Estrogen Balance
I3C is indole-3-carbinol, a nutrient that is present in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts. I3C is a cancer-fighting nutrient, and supports a healthy balance of estrogen metabolism. There are two forms of estrogen metabolites: the “bad” estrogens which promote the development of breast cancer, and the “good” estrogens which are harmless or even protect against cancer formation. I3C reduces the formation of the former while increasing production of the latter.
I3C can stop the growth of, or even destroy existing breast cancer cells. It blocks the activation of genes that contribute to cancer cells growth while activating genes that help fight cancer. In studies, I3C has been found to reverse localized cancer of the cervix in women. Indole-3-carbinole (I3C0 is a phytonutrient found in brassica vegetables, which are known to help reduce the risk of many different kinds of cancer. In the last decade, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that I3C is one of the key active cancer-fighting ingredients in these foods.
The key risk factor in the development of most women’s reproductive cancers is exposure to estrogen. “Estrogen” is not just one substance, but a family of hormones. In summary, some estrogen metabolites are “bad” estrogens which can powerfully promote the development of breast cancer; on the other hand, “good” estrogens are either harmless, or may actually be protective against women’s cancers.