Summer is a time of plenty when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables. This is the perfect time to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into your diet, and there are many benefits to doing so.

In particular, research has demonstrated that certain summer fruits can help to prevent breast cancer and diabetes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the links between these conditions and the role that summer fruits can play in reducing your risk.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a condition that occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. It is the most common cancer in women worldwide and can also affect men.

Although there is no single cause of breast cancer, there are many factors that can increase one’s risk. These include age, family history, exposure to radiation, and certain genetic mutations.

Can Summer Fruits Help to Prevent Breast Cancer?

There are many potential dietary strategies for reducing one’s risk of breast cancer, and incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables is one of them.

Many summer fruits are high in phytochemicals, which are natural compounds found in plants that have been shown to have anticancer properties. For example, strawberries are high in ellagic acid, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells in laboratory studies. Similarly, blueberries contain anthocyanins, which also have antioxidant and anticancer effects.

In addition, some summer fruits are high in vitamin C, which has been shown to have protective effects against breast cancer.

For example, a 2013 study published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that women with higher levels of vitamin C in their blood had a lower risk of breast cancer. Some of the best vitamin C-rich summer fruits include kiwifruit, strawberries, and mangoes.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when the body is unable to produce or use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and is necessary for the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body is unable to use insulin effectively.

Can Summer Fruits Help to Prevent Diabetes?

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is also beneficial for preventing diabetes. Many summer fruits are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels.

One study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that people who ate at least three servings of fruit per week had a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who ate less fruit.

In addition, some summer fruits are particularly beneficial for preventing diabetes. For example, watermelon has a low glycemic index, which means that it is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes than other fruits.

Similarly, cherries contain anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

Incorporating more fresh, nutrient-dense summer fruits into your diet is a great way to reduce your risk of breast cancer and diabetes.

Many summer fruits are high in phytochemicals, vitamin C, and fiber, all of which have been shown to have protective effects against these conditions. So next time you’re at the farmer’s market or grocery store, be sure to stock up on some of these delicious and healthy summer fruits!.