Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women regardless of the country in which they reside.
While there are numerous treatment options available for breast cancer patients, most of them have severe side effects that can affect the quality of life of patients. As such, researchers and medical professionals are continually looking for safe and effective alternative therapies for breast cancer patients.
Recent studies have shown that consuming fruits can be beneficial for breast cancer patients since they contain various therapeutic compounds that can improve their overall health and wellbeing. Here are some of the fruits with therapeutic potential for breast cancer patients:.
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They also contain a unique phytochemical called pterostilbene, which has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.
Additionally, studies have demonstrated that blueberries can induce apoptosis or programmed cell death in breast cancer cells. Moreover, blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. In conclusion, incorporating blueberries into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic benefits.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain a wide range of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds have been shown to have numerous therapeutic properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
Recent studies have found that drinking pomegranate juice can suppress the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Additionally, pomegranate extract can induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells, thus making it an ideal therapeutic agent for breast cancer patients.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants. A recent study found that consuming strawberry extract decreased the viability and proliferation of breast cancer cells.
Additionally, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, strawberry extract can help reduce inflammation that can lead to breast cancer. Therefore, incorporating strawberries into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic potential.
Apples
Apples are packed with vitamins, fiber, and various antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. Recent studies have shown that apple extract can inhibit the growth and viability of breast cancer cells.
Moreover, the consumption of apples has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence. Therefore, consuming apples can have therapeutic potential for breast cancer patients.
Grapes
Grapes are a rich source of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Resveratrol has been found to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.
Additionally, a recent clinical trial found that consuming grape seed extract reduced the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Therefore, grapes can be an excellent therapeutic option for breast cancer patients.
Oranges
Oranges are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C, hesperidin, and naringin.
Studies have shown that these compounds have a wide range of therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticancer effects. Recent studies have found that consuming orange juice can suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and inhibit angiogenesis in vivo. Therefore, incorporating oranges into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic potential.
Kiwi
Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin C, fiber, and various phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins and catechins. These compounds have been shown to have numerous therapeutic properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
Recent studies have found that consuming kiwi can induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and reduce cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, incorporating kiwi into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic potential.
Mango
Mango contains numerous therapeutic compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins. A recent study found that mango extract can inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.
Moreover, the consumption of mangoes has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence. Therefore, incorporating mango into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic potential.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a rich source of bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme that has been shown to have numerous therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
Studies have found that bromelain can induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and reduce their viability. Therefore, incorporating pineapple into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic potential.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a rich source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that has been shown to have numerous therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
Recent studies have found that lycopene can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Therefore, incorporating watermelon into a breast cancer patient’s diet can have therapeutic potential.