Nutrients In Apples And Grapes Found To Halt The Systemic Inflammation That Causes Cancer

Apple – 955169 – pixabay.com Grapes – Free-Photos – pixabay.com

If you are a fruit lover and you regularly eat apples and grapes, enjoy the fact that you are ingesting something that could save you from inflammation – which is a major risk factor for cancer development.

A new study has affirmed the value of these fruits to preventing prostate cancer, reporting that these fruits, when combined with turmeric, contain nutrients that can help minimize the inflammation which leads to cancer.

A team of researchers from the University of Texas-Austin found out that apples and grapes contain chemicals that could thwart the growth of prostate cancer. They published their findings in the medical journal Precision Oncology. ^[1] The cancer chemopreventive potential of apple lies on a compound called ursolic acid while the medicinal magic of grapes is provided by another compound known as resveratrol.

Ursolic Acid

This compound is part of the waxy coating of apples and other fruits such as cranberries and prunes. It has not only inflammation-fighting ability but has also been linked to weight loss and improvements in metabolic function. The cancer-fighting property of ursolic acid was confirmed by a 2009 study presented at the International Symposium on Human Health Effects of Fruit and Vegetables. This study highlights the ability of ursolic acid to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. ^[2]

Back in 2012, the potent anti-inflammatory activity of ursolic acid was assessed by a study which concluded that ursolic acid exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects and anti-tumor properties. ^[3] Other study has also supported the role of ursolic acid as a chemopreventive agent in overcoming cancer. ^[4]

Resveratrol

This antioxidant compound is the anti-inflammatory agent of grapes that has long been known to promote health and longevity. The beneficial compound is found in the skin of grapes, so next time you eat the luscious fruit, rinse them thoroughly but don’t peel. Resveratrol is the main contributor to the ability of red wine to prevent cancer. (It’s nothing to do with the alcohol!) An article reported in the December 3, 2014 issue of the journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology explained how resveratrol could prevent cancer. The research noted that the chemopreventive chemicals found in grape seed extract could kill the most dangerous cells, decreasing the probability that alcohol use will cause cancer. ^[5]

In another study published in the March 2008 edition of Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, researchers provided information on how resveratrol induces pancreatic cancer cell death. The study also underlined the possibility of designing antioxidants to take advantage of certain biochemical properties or cellular targets in cancer treatment. ^[6]

Conclusion

The University of Texas-Austin study adds to the mounting evidence for the effectiveness of plant-derived chemicals in preventing cancers. These naturally-occurring chemicals could work together to lower cancer risk. Soon, it may be possible that advanced and untreatable cancers could be stopped in their tracks by a combination of phytochemicals derived from fruits and vegetables.