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AICR HealthTalk
by Karen Collins
, MS, RD, CDN
For American
Institute for Cancer Research |
Weekly column
for the week of: February
23, 2012 |
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Q: Is it true that pomegranates
help prevent prostate cancer? If so, what are some ways to eat
them?
A: The research showing strongest anti-cancer effects
of pomegranates and pomegranate juice involves prostate cancer,
but bear in mind that results are still tentative. Pomegranates
rank high among fruits for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
effects because of their vitamin C and phytochemical compounds.
The laboratory evidence shows that substances, called urolithins,
that our body produces from pomegranates' compounds can decrease
prostate cancer cell growth and ability to spread. Some human
studies show that pomegranate juice or extract raises levels
of antioxidant compounds in the blood, but we have only a handful
of relatively small human studies directly related to cancer.
There is research suggesting that individuals may vary in how
well they absorb these compounds, so it's possible that some
will benefit more than others from pomegranate consumption. One
small intervention trial of men previously treated for prostate
cancer who had rising PSA levels (an indicator of prostate growth
or inflammation) reported that consumption of eight ounces of
pomegranate juice significantly slowed signs of prostate cancer
progression.. We need more research before recommending pomegranates
for cancer prevention and we also need to know if there are differences
between the juice and eating the pomegranate arils (the little
sacks that hold the seeds and juicy pulp). |
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In the meantime enjoy these
fruits for great nutrition and taste. For an easy, neat way to
get those juicy arils, simply place pomegranate quarters in a
large bowl of water and roll the arils out with your fingers.
Remove the membranes that float to the top, and then empty the
bowl into a strainer to capture the juicy arils. Enjoy them mixed
in salads, cereal, yogurt, rice and many other foods.
Q: Does coffee affect cancer
risk?
A: Although previously there was concern that coffee
might increase risk of some cancers, recent larger, better-controlled
studies show that for most cancers, up to six cups of coffee
per day do not increase risk. Now research is underway evaluating
whether coffee might help reduce cancer risk, either as a major
source of antioxidants or by affecting specific steps in the
process of cancer development. |
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Coffee contains several natural
compounds that in laboratory studies can reduce inflammation,
inactivate carcinogens and help regulate cell growth. In some
population studies, people who drink moderate or high amounts
of coffee daily show modestly reduced risk of a wide range of
cancers, such as endometrial cancer in one recent study. Yet
despite promising laboratory evidence, the large NIH-AARP population
study did not find any link between coffee of any type and breast
cancer risk, and other population studies show mixed results
about any potential link between coffee and lower risk of cancer,
such as pancreatic and prostate cancers. Bottom line: unless
advised otherwise for medical reasons, enjoy moderate amounts
of coffee without fear of cancer risk if you like, but make it
part of an overall healthy diet and weight control, which have
stronger research support as effective ways to reduce cancer
risk. |
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 Health
Talk Archives 2011
Health
Talk Archives 2010 |
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Author: |
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The American Institute for Cancer
Research (AICR) is the cancer charity that fosters research on
the relationship of nutrition, physical activity and weight management
to cancer risk, interprets the scientific literature and educates
the public about the results. It has contributed more than $95
million for innovative research conducted at universities, hospitals
and research centers across the country. AICR has published two
landmark reports that interpret the accumulated research in the
field, and is committed to a process of continuous review. AICR
also provides a wide range of educational programs to help millions
of Americans learn to make dietary changes for lower cancer risk.
Its award-winning New American Plate program is presented in
brochures, seminars and on its website, www.aicr.org. AICR is part of the global
network of charities that are dedicated to the prevention of
cancer. The WCRF global network is led and unified by WCRF International,
a membership association which operates as the umbrella organization
for the network .The other charities in the WCRF network are
World Cancer Research Fund in the UK (www.wcrf-uk.org); Wereld
Kanker Onderzoek Fonds in the Netherlands (www.wcrf-nl.org);
World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong (www.wcrf-hk.org); and Fonds
Mondial de Recherche contre le Cancer in France (www.fmrc.fr). |
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