Prostate cancer research has revealed some promising preliminary results with pomegranate juice and extracts. Learn how they may help prostate cancer, and the mechanisms by which they may affect tumors.
Pomegranate has long been used in traditional folk
remedies to treat sore throat, inflammation and arthritis. And recent
scientific research has suggested that they are potentially effective in both
preventing and treating prostate cancer.
A study conducted on human prostate cancer cells in
laboratory dishes at the University of Wisconsin found that there were
dose-dependent improvements. Another study at the same facility injected mice
with human prostate cancer cells. These rats developed fatal diseases. Some
rats were given plain water, while two other groups of rats were given water
containing different concentrations of pomegranate extract.
The mice that had water only had tumors that grew much
faster than the mice that had pomegranate and water. The amount given to the
rats was equivalent to what people could get if they drank pomegranate juice
daily. And while pomegranate juice has not yet been tested on humans with
prostate cancer, the results are promising.
The study did not say which aspects of the pomegranate
juice were responsible for slowing the growth of prostate tumors. But the
scientists involved noted antioxidant polyphenolic compounds, which are more
effective than green tea and red wine.
Pomegranate extract not only prevented the growth of
cancer cells, but it also worked through another means – apoptosis.
Apoptosis refers to the way in which cells can die.
Cancerous growth is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells that does not
follow the normal processes of cellular differentiation of regular, healthy
cells. Cellular differentiation means that the cell's characteristics change and
it acquires the functions that a mature, healthy cell performs. For example,
liver cells have specialized liver functions, as do prostate, breast, kidney,
and all other cell types. This is normal and healthy.
In tumor development, although some cells differentiate
completely, many differentiate only partially, and some do not differentiate at
all. And tumors that contain more undifferentiated cells grow faster.
Therefore, inducing cellular differentiation is one way to treat cancer. The
other two ways doctors and researchers try to treat cancer are by destroying
cancer cells. They do this through apoptosis and necrosis mentioned above.
In apoptosis, cell death is programmed when the cell is
'born'. Therefore the cell dies in a more natural way that is less destructive
to its environment. What I mean by this is that it does not cause inflammation
and the resulting damage to neighboring cells that may be healthy. Cells die
either when they reach cellular senescence or when their death benefits the
entire body. Necrosis, on the other hand, causes inflammation.
Generally, prostate cancer grows very slowly, although it
is unpredictable and can grow and spread rapidly.
FAQs
Is milk good for prostate cancer patients?
Men who consumed 430 grams of dairy per day, or about 1 ¾
cups of milk, had a 25 percent higher risk of prostate cancer than men who
consumed 20 grams of dairy per day. This quantity can be approximately one
tablespoon of milk. The lowest risk of cancer in the study is seen with zero
milk consumption.
What should we eat in prostate cancer?
Legumes and soybeans: Soybeans and beans contain active
plant compounds called phytoestrogens, which may help reduce the risk of
prostate cancer. Legumes like lentils, chickpeas and beans are a good source of
fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Is Calcium bad for prostate cancer?
Dairy Foods and Calcium
Some research has shown that men who consume diets rich
in calcium may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Which supplements should be avoided with prostate cancer?
Selenium might assume a part in numerous sicknesses,
including disease. Results from the large National Cancer Institute-sponsored
Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) suggest that men with
prostate cancer should not take selenium supplements.
Which is the best fruit for prostate?
All berries, including strawberries, blueberries and
raspberries, are rich in antioxidants that can help protect your cells from
damage. Adding berries to your diet may improve your prostate health while
contributing to your overall health.
Which is the best fruit for prostate?
Berries: Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and
blueberries are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which may be
beneficial for prostate health.
Is pomegranate juice good for prostate?
David Haber, professor and director of the Center for
Human Nutrition, began researching pomegranate juice in prostate cancer about
six years ago, conducting preclinical research in cell cultures and animals.
Those studies showed that pomegranate juice slowed the growth of prostate
cancer, Pantek said.
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