The lungs perform a multitude of vital functions, with breathing, the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide, being the most important. Lung cancer can interfere with this normal exchange of gases and result in undesirable symptoms. Fruit offers numerous health benefits for cancer patients. Fruit is rich in nutrients yet low in calories. Adding more fruit to your diet may help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and even improve lung function.
Lung Cancer
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths around the world. Lung cancer is responsible for an estimated 160,000 deaths in the United States each year. Depending upon the size and appearance of the cancer cells, there are two different types of lung cancer, non-small cell and small cell lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common and typically grows and spreads more slowly while small cell lung cancer grows more quickly and is likely to spread to other organs in the body. Lung cancer is the result of DNA damage caused by multiple exposure to carcinogens.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Tobacco is the biggest carcinogen and it is responsible for 85 percent of all lung cancer cases in the United States reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your risk increases with the amount of tobacco you use and the length of time you have smoked. Even if you do use tobacco, but you are exposed to its smoke, you are at a greater risk for developing lung cancer. Other risk factors include exposure to radiation or environmental and occupational substances such as arsenic, asbestos or radon, family history, pulmonary disease and a poor diet. The most common symptoms of lung cancer include constant chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic pneumonia or bronchitis, a persistent cough that worsens over time, swelling of the neck and face, fatigue, lack of appetite and weight loss.
Benefits of Fruit
Despite debate regarding the optimal constituents of a healthy diet, there is little disagreement among researchers concerning the importance of fruit. The Linus Pauling Institute states that the results of numerous studies consistently indicate that diets rich in fruit can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, antioxidants and biologically active phytochemicals likely to counteract infections, prevent disease and promote health.
The Connection
Science Daily reports that there is extensive evidence from case-controlled and clinical studies over the last 10 to 15 years that a diet rich in fruits is beneficial to lung health. Fruit is rich in nutrients associated with improved lung function in the general population. A study presented at the American Thoracic Society conference reported that a diet high in specific fruits such as tomatoes and apples is thought to protect against respiratory illness. Individuals who consume five or more servings of apples per week or 3 servings of tomatoes per week experienced significantly less wheezing. Individuals in the Nurses' Health Study with above average intakes of fruit were just as likely to develop cancer as those who ate less than the dietary recommendations. According to Harvard School of Public Health, consuming certain types of fruit may protect against several types of cancer, including lung cancer.
Recommended Intake
The recommended intake of fruit depends on age, gender, calorie consumptions and activity level. If you consume an average of 2,000 calories per day, you need to consume 4 servings or 2 cups of fruit daily. If you eat 1,600 calories each day, you need to consume 3 servings or 1.5 cups of fruit daily. A serving of fruit is equal to 1 medium fresh fruit such as an orange or apple; 1/2 cup of cut-up fresh, frozen or canned fruit including peaches, melon or strawberries; 1/4 cup of dried fruits like raisins or cranberries and 6 oz. of 100 percent fruit juice. Whenever possible, choose fiber-rich, whole fruits rather than high sugar fruit juices.
Increase Intake
Whether you have lung cancer or want to decrease your risk of developing it, fruit is an important component of any well-balanced diet. Anyone can benefit from eating more fruit, but the key is variety. Eating a rainbow of different colored fruit will provide you with all the essential nutrients. Boost your intake of fruit by keeping it accessible, where you can see it and have easy access to it. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables at every meal. Eat it plain, in a salad or even for dessert. Ditch the potato chips and reach for fresh fruits packed with fiber. Explore the produce section at the grocery store and try something new. Get out of the fruit rut and try a new kind of fruit.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lung Cancer; Steven D. Erlich, NMD; June 17, 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Fruits and Vegetables; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; May 2009
- Harvard School of Public Health: Fruits and Vegetables -- Get Plenty Every Day
- Science Daily: Studies Find Eating Fruits and Vegetables Good for Lungs; May 22, 2001
