Two Fruits may Change the Face of Breast Cancer

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by: Wendy Rae
Tags: breast cancer, fruits, health news

(NewsTarget) Two common fruits, found in almost every grocery store across the country, have been tested against the most furious of breast cancer cells in a recent study. According to an AgriLife Research study published on the Science Daily website June 2, 2010, extracts of two fruits successfully eradicated breast cancer cells while leaving all other beneficial, natural cells intact. AgriLife Research is a part of the Texas A&M University System.

Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos of AgriLife Research explained they used two common methods that scientists often use to indicate the levels of antioxidants present. This method of testing helped guide them to the the two selected fruit varieties: "Rich Lady" peaches and "Black Splendor" plums. Cisneros-Zevallos further stated, "We can say that these were among a group of peach and plum varieties with high antioxidant content. However they were not necessarily the highest ones."

Another study done by European Food Research and Technology in 2007 tested 3 different peach varieties, testing the antioxidant levels, Vitamin C levels, and how the body trapped free radicals after ingestion. All three varieties tested ended up with similar profiles except for one variety of peach called "Luisa Berselli," which indicated a higher level of ability to trap free radicals. It seems not every peach is equal in its nutrient value.

The scientific name of peaches, Prunus persica, originated from an old European belief that peaches were indigenous to Persia. It is now believed that peaches originated from China. Plums carry the scientific name of Prunus; they were believed to have originated from Mesopotamia.

Historically throughout natural therapies, peaches have been used to treat bronchitis, coughing, dandruff, diabetes mellitus, kidney stones, and renal stones while plums were used to treat acne, bowel obstruction, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, inflammation of the tonsils, liver enlargement and mouth ulcers to name a few.

Peaches with the skin are a good source of Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium while providing essential Vitamins A, C, Niacin, and Folate. Plums have a similar nutritional profile as peaches except they contain higher levels of Calcium, Vitamin A, and Folate.

Buying organic peaches and plums is an important factor in choosing wisely. The Environmental Working Group did a study of pesticide residues left on produce after washing. Peaches were the second most contaminated fruit with plums showing down the line at number eighteen. "We've found that washing doesn't do much," says Amy Rosenthal of The Environmental Working Group in a recent CNN report, "Peeling can help, although you have to take into account that the pesticides are in the water, so they can be inside the fruit because of the soil."

SOURCES:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06...
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf900259...
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf900385...
http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/fruit-...
http://www.mamaherb.com/plum
http://www.mamaherb.com/peach
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peach
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/06/01/dirty.d...
http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php

About the author

Wendy Rae is an herbalist, wellness coach, and yoga instructor who loves to share information on the healing properties of plants and foods. Her website is http://www.Wendy-Rae.com