Abstract
Background: Rye contains more fibre and bioactive compounds than other cereals used for bread production. The fibre and compounds of the fibre complex could provide protection against breast cancer (BC).Objective: To review the evidence and theoretical background for a role of rye and some of its components in the prevention of BC.Design: A short review based to a great extent on the work by scientists in the Nordic countries.Results: Some of the possible mechanisms by which the fibre complex could reduce BC risk are presented. The fibre through its effect on fermentation increases esterification of bile acids reducing toxicity of the free bile acids and is involved in the production of butyrate with potential anticancer effects including BC. The fibre reduces the enterohepatic circulation of the oestrogens leading to lower plasma oestrogen concentrations. The fibre complex contains bioactive compounds such as lignans and alkylresorcinols that are antioxidative and potentially anticarcinogenic. In addition, vitamins, minerals, and phytic acid in rye may provide protection against BC.Conclusion: Rye products made from wholegrain rye flour are likely to contribute to reduced BC risk.
Highlights
Rye contains more fibre and bioactive compounds than other cereals used for bread production
Wholegrain and breast cancer (BC) In 1984 we proposed that a fibre-rich food containing lignan precursors like wholegrain rye and wheat bread could protect against both breast and colon cancer [1]
In addition to the numerous factors affecting ENL production in the gut or its plasma concentration the dietary source of the enterolignan precursors in plants may play an important role as it is likely that fibre, other phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals in the food are playing a role in cancer prevention
Summary
Rye contains more fibre and bioactive compounds than other cereals used for bread production. Human studies on lignans and breast cancer (BC) In the beginning of the 1980s we got an opportunity to measure urinary ENL in 72-h urine samples during four seasons in small groups of postmenopausal omnivorous (consume all foods) and vegetarian Boston women as well as in healthy BC patients after surgical removal of small breast tumours [60].
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