Is DIM for women only, since it decreases the harmful effect of estrogen? While estrogen is generally thought of as a female hormone, men need and produce small amounts of estrogen, too. These enzymes are important for healthy estrogen metabolism that reduces the risk of cancer development. DIM has also been shown to enhance the activity of enzymes found in certain pathways in the liver. Scientists have determined DIM actually inhibits cancer cell growth. Is there any research that shows DIM improves health? Many impressive studies have led to understanding DIM’s effect on cancer. DIM supplementation specifically promotes beneficial estrogen metabolism and helps restore a healthy hormonal balance. This is where DIM enters the picture-DIM can successfully increase the ratio of “good” to “bad” estrogen. Researchers have speculated that increasing production of this “good” estrogen would be very beneficial. Scientists have discovered that 2-methoxyestrogens, one of several types of estrogen, can actually inhibit the growth of malignant tumors. Also, certain estrogen metabolites are directly linked to the development of several types of cancer. Women with higher levels of estrogen circulating in their bloodstreams have a higher incidence of breast cancer. However, excessive prolonged exposure to estrogen is also associated with serious health problems. Estrogen has many beneficial activities in the human body: regulating the growth and development of reproductive organs, controlling the growth of the uterine lining, assisting in promotion of fertilization and pregnancy, maintaining the normal structure of skin and blood vessels, maintaining bone structure, and regulating various metabolic processes. How does DIM work? DIM has a direct effect on the hormone estrogen and how it is metabolized. Once these enzymes are exposed to stomach acid, a compound called indole-3 carbinol (I3C) is formed which, in turn, yields DIM. When broccoli or any other cruciferous vegetables are chewed, plant enzymes are released. What is DIM? DIM is an indole phytonutrient (plant nutrient) found only in cruciferous vegetables. The most active and important of these phytochemicals, diindolylmethane (DIM), has shown great promise as an anticancer agent. Nutrients called phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables provide health protection by decreasing the effects of cancer-causing chemicals. Cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower) have more nutrients per serving than many other vegetables. Recently, however, a substantial amount of evidence indicates that not all vegetables are the same in nutritional value and health benefits. The goal of this partnership is to encourage Americans to increase the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to at least five servings a day. A national campaign called “5 a Day for Better Health” was initiated by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, and Produce for Better Health Foundation. However, most Americans do not consume the recommended amounts of these foods. It’s a well-known fact that a healthy diet should include lots of fruits and vegetables.
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