Pigments Fruits Vegetables May Reduce Cancer
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Newsweek Reports Pigment in Fruits and Vegetables May Reduce Cancer, Heart Disease, Arthritis The December 6 issue of Newsweek had an article about the recent discovery by researchers that the pigments of many fruits and vegetables can reduce cancer and heart-disease risk, as well as ease the pain of arthritis. Tart cherries, for example, offer arthritis sufferers 10 times the anti-inflammatory relief of aspirin, without upsetting the stomach. Vibrantly hued plants, such as blueberries, tomatoes and spinach, are also potent antioxidants, which could guard against age-related declines in memory and coordination. Spinach, rich in the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, is apparently quite good for protecting one's vision. In epidemiological studies, those with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin had a 40 to 45 percent reduced risk of developing macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. This is just the very tip of what scientists are discovering. Among other findings: the alpha and beta carotene in cantaloupe, pumpkins and carrots can help prevent lung cancer; the pigment cryptoxanthin in mangoes, oranges, and papayas have been shown to decrease the risk of cervical cancer; the lycopene in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit help prevent prostate cancer. In fact, researchers for one Harvard study tracked 48,000 men for six years and found that those who consumed the most tomatoes and tomato products were up to 45 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer. In general, the more colorful the food, the more benefits one reaps from the food. Elizabeth Ward of the American Dietetic Association said, "Fill up your plate with as many colorful foods as you can. Think variety and color." Researchers are saying that the best preventative medicine could be a diet featuring a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables, preferably five to nine servings a day. Interestingly, not one animal product was promoted in the article as having the potential to reduce cancer, heart disease or arthritis pain. Hmm... |
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