An Apple A Day Keeps Cancer Away?

A recent Italian study published in the Annals of Oncology found that a diet high in flavonoids, in particular a group called the proanthocyanidins, and glycans reduced the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by more than 25%. Proanthocyanidins are found in apples, pears, grapes, cocoa, tea, and many other foods. The highest amount of proanthocyanidins were found in Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples, even more so than in grapes and wine. The study was a case control study of 350 patients with pancreatic cancer and 650 case-control patients. A very detailed food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate their diets.
In Functional Medicine we look at food as information. There are many chemicals found in foods, in particular many fruits and vegetables, that can inhibit the growth of cancer by effecting the gene expression in the cells. Other foods such as tomatoes, strawberries and other berries, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables have all been found to reduce the risk of various cancers.

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