Lung cancer is the most widespread type of cancer in developed countries. Cigarette smoking is its principal cause, although 15 percent of lung cancers occur in nonsmokers, according to oncologist Stephen Falk, M.D., author of the 2010 book, "Lung Cancer: The Facts." The pomegranate is an ancient fruit whose anti-cancer properties are now being supported by scientific studies. Ask your doctor before using plants medicinally.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a lethal disease, fatal in over 50 percent of diagnosed cases within the first year. In addition to smoking, other causes are asbestos, naturally occurring radon gas, environmental toxins and your genetic inheritance. Early symptoms of lung cancer can include exhaustion, persistent coughing and chest pain. As the disease progresses, tumors grow in your lungs and breathing can become difficult, especially after exercising. If you are coughing up blood, see a doctor immediately.
Polyphenols
Pomegranates have a bounty of polyphenols, plant chemicals that may prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. While countless plants contain these therapeutic components, pomegranates are unique in that they contain high amounts of many kinds of polyphenols, says Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor of cancer research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and author of the 2011 book "Healing Spices." Pomegranate's polyphenols include ellagitannins, catechins and resveratrol.
Scientific Research
Preventing and treating lung cancer by employing nutritional strategies is one objective of cancer researchers. In a 2009 edition of "Nutrition and Cancer," an article explains how scientists tested pomegranate extracts in test-tube cultures. Pomegranate extracts were able to curtail lung cancer cell growth. In another part of the experiment, laboratory animals were given pomegranate extract orally. The extract demonstrated an ability to inhibit the development of lung cancer tumors.
Antioxidants in Pomegranates
Free radical cells in your body can damage the DNA or genetic material in other cells, potentially causing healthy cells to become cancerous. Antioxidants are components that hunt down and defuse free radical cells. Pomegranate juice is loaded with a number of antioxidants, including resveratrol. An article in the March 2008 issue of "Antioxidants and Redox Signaling" points out that resveratrol is an anti-cancer constituent. In laboratory studies, researchers found that resveratrol can inhibit normal cells from mutating into cancer cells. Resveratrol may be able to slow down the evolution of lung cancer cells, although human clinical trials have not been concluded as of time of publication.
References
- "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices . . . "; Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph.D.; 2011
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Lung Cancer: The Facts"; Stephen Falk, M.D.; 2010
- "Antioxidants and Redox Signaling"; Cancer Chemoprevention Through Dietary Antioxidants: Progress and Promise; N. Khan, et al.; March 2008
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Cancer Chemoprevention by Pomegranate: Laboratory and Clinical Evidence; Vaqar Mustafa Adhami, et al.; November 2009
