Apples: Can They Reduce the Risk of Cancer?
That old saying about apple just might be true. As it turns out, an apple a day may really keep the doctor away - at least the cancer doctor. A variety of recent studies have demonstrated the potential of this commonly available fruit to reduce the risk of cancer. One of the most recent studies showed that apple extracts reduced the growth and limited the size of breast tumors in rats.Rats given the apple extract not only developed fewer tumors, but the tumors were smaller in size.
Why are apples such superstars when it comes to reducing the risk of cancer? This tasty fruit contains a multitude of phytochemicals including flavonols, catechins, procyanidins, triterpenoids, and anthocyanins all of which may play a role in preventing cancer. It's not just the fruit of the apple that contains powerful ant-cancer chemicals, but also the peel which is a source of triterpenoids and procyanidins. The simple red apple appears to be a powerhouse of nutrients and may offer significant anti-cancer protection.
How do apples prevent cancer? The ingredients in apples that appear to reduce the risk of cancer exert their effects by a variety of pathways including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and serving as strong anti-oxidants to offset cell damage. They also appear to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown inhibition of several types of cancer through exposing cells to the ingredients found in apples including breast cancer and colon cancer.
How can you apply this information to your own life? To use the nutritional components found in apples to reduce the risk of cancer, it's best to eat the entire apple since many of the powerful phytochemicals are found in the outer peel. The peel also provides an additional source of fiber which can have obvious health benefits. Keep in mind that apples are on the list of the produce "dirty dozen" because they're so highly sprayed with pesticides. Over ninety percent of apples tested in one study were shown to be contaminated with pesticides. This is one fruit that it pays to buy organic.
It's unclear how many apples you need to eat each day to reduce the risk of cancer. Most of the studies used apple fruit extract which contain high concentrations of polyphenols and other phytochemicals. Apple extracts can be purchased from some health food stores and online sites, although it's usually best to get your phytochemicals from food sources whenever possible.
The bottom line? To reduce your risk of cancer, eat more organic apples and enjoy the many health benefits this humble fruit has to offer.
Learn more about other Superfoods.