UCLA cancer researchers recently announced their findings that eating an apple a day – and certain other fruits, vegetables and teas – can help tobacco smokers keep lung cancer away.
Flavanoids to the Rescue
Flavonoids, plant pigments that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics, were the main cancer-fighting chemicals found in those foods. Not only do flavonoids put up a roadblock when tumors attempt to grow and spread, they also have been shown to stop cancer cells from growing.
Smokers who fear they already have done some damage to their lungs might be interested to learn that flavonoids can potentially counteract damage done to DNA from smoking tobacco.
Cancer Risk Reduced
According to the UCLA researchers, the foods that appeared to be most effective at reducing the risk of lung cancer were apples, Brussels sprouts, beans, onions, strawberries and green and black teas.
The study will prompt further investigations to answer other questions such as how flavonoids protect smokers from lung cancer and whether flavonoids protect against other smoking-related cancers, researchers said.
While the study produced encouraging results, researchers advised that the most effective way to avoid lung cancer is to quit smoking.
For further information: University of California at Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, (May 31, 2008), “Fruits, Vegetables and Teas May Protect Smokers from Lung Cancer, Researchers Report,” Science Daily, May 31, 2008, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080529091128.htm.
