An acid found in pomegranates might diminish the risk of estrogen-fed breast cancers, according to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research and reported by Reuters.

Researchers from the City of Hope cancer research and treatment center in Duarte, California, discovered 10 compounds (called phytochemicals) in the fruit that can suppress aromatase, an enzyme that contributes to breast cancer development.

Aromatase converts androgen, a hormone, into estrogen, another hormone, which fuels breast cancer growth. Pomegranate’s potent enzyme-blocking power puts a stop to that.

But don’t rush to the store just yet. Before you stock up on pomegranate juice, researchers have some advice.

“We do not recommend people start taking this as a replacement for the aromatase inhibitors,” said study author Shiuan Chen, PhD, director of City of Hope’s Division of Tumor Cell Biology. “[Pomegranate compounds] are not as potent as the real drugs, so we think the interest probably is more on the prevention end rather than in a therapeutic purpose.”

Future studies should test pomegranate juice’s effect on estrogen levels, menopausal symptoms and breast density or even as a cancer preventive agent, said Powel Brown, MD, an oncologist at the University of Texas.

Previous research revealed pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and other substances that might ward off cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Interested in another way to fight breast cancer? Use your workout as a weapon. Learn how here.