Blood Orange Compound Stops 100% Of Lung Cancer Growth In Vitro

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Blood oranges derive their lovely, rich red coloring from a rather remarkable compound that goes by the name of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G). C3G is not found in ordinary oranges but is also found in a number of other red / purple fruits including blackberries, strawberries, blackcurrants and cranberries.

Scientists have discovered that C3G is not only active at 100% success against cancer cells in vitro (i.e. in laboratory glassware tests on cells) but also reduced actual lung tumors in mice by 50% and suppressed metastasis by over 70%! ^[1] That’s an amazing result against actual cancer and highly indicative that such effects will prove beneficial to humans also.

These results are not unique to one study and other studies have found cyanidin 3-glucoside to be beneficial against lung cancer cells. ^[2]

The cyanidin group of compounds, of which C3G is a member, are a type of anthocyanin – which are natural pigments responsible for the red and purple color of many fruits – including not only blood oranges but also red grapes, bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, elderberries, loganberries, acai berries and raspberries. ^[3]

There are other magnificent health benefits of blood oranges: Recent clinical trials on adults demonstrated that they reduced risk for heart disease. In vivo tests have shown suppressed weight gain and prevention of fat accumulation in the liver, indicating that blood oranges have potential to assist with weight loss.

Furthermore, numerous other studies have found anti-cancer effects for anthocyanins: In both in vitro and in vivo research trials, anthocyanins have demonstrated a marked ability to reduce cancer cell proliferation and to inhibit tumor formation. ^[4]

One of the challenges of the study of the effect of anthocyanins such as C3G on human health is that these compounds are somewhat broken down by digestion – however it is widely agreed on that at least some of the anthocyanins are “getting where they need to go” and that they play multifaceted roles in human health maintenance. Their importance to health is gradually becoming more recognized with numerous studies reporting health benefits of all kinds. ^[3]

Hugely important tip to increase the amount of anthocyanins you are getting by over 50%: Anthocyanin concentrations have been found by top scientists to be an astonishing 51% higher in organically grown fruit. Also, they are at their most potent when the fruit is fresh – and note that heating / storage can diminish the amounts of these valuable compounds.

For the very best results either peel and eat the organic fruit as normal, or invest in a hydraulic juice press such as the Welles ($399) or even the “Rolls Royce” of juicers, the Norwalk ($2500). These are expensive but do an amazing job of preserving the nutritional quality of the produce – reportedly creating a superior product than a high speed juicer. And when you are fighting against a pernicious disease like cancer – or even reducing your risks – you want every bit of “edge” that you can get. I have to say though – I’m thinking you could do almost as well with a good ole’ lemon squeezer for about five bucks!

To learn more on the fascinating topic of juicing as an alternative cancer therapy, check out this renowned book on Gerson Therapy.

Many thanks to The Eden Prescription from bringing this research to our attention.