Recent research at Texas A&M University reveals a compound in mangos may help prevent a malignancy that is one of the top causes of cancer fatalities among women. Scientists testing the effects of polyphenols from the tropical fruit found they dramatically reduced the proliferation of breast cancer cells.Studies show the foods we eat can play a protective role against several kinds of cancers, lead author Dr. Susanne Talcott notes. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 30 percent of cancers could be prevented with a healthy diet and lifestyle, she adds.Talcott and her colleagues sought to build upon earlier research that showed polyphenolic compounds like the ones in mangos have potential for fighting cancer.
These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects as well as antioxidant properties that can guard against the onset of chronic illnesses. Experimental data also reveals some bioactive compounds in mangos are antiviral and antibacterial in nature.Reduced the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells by 90%The authors evaluated the effects of the polyphenols of mangos on cancerous and noncancerous breast cells in test tubes.
The promising findings showed mangoes reduced the proliferation of cancerous breast cells by 90 percent and the proliferation of noncancerous breast cells by 20 percent. Additionally, inflammation was reduced in both the cancerous and noncancerous cells. In a second study using mice, the mango polyphenols suppressed the growth of tumors of human breast cancer that had been transplanted into them. While the results were positive, Talcott cautioned that much more studies are needed in the area.Other Foods Contain PolyphenolsRene Ficek, lead dietitian for Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating, emphasizes to Live in the Now that the study is just one among many that show diet can help prevent several different types of cancers, including breast, prostate, and colon. “Although the findings uncovering the cancer-fighting effects of mangos are exciting, many other foods contain this special antioxidant compound as well. Fruit sources of polyphenols include apples, cherries, pomegranates, cantaloupes, cranberries, plums, pears, grapes and most berries. Vegetables sources include broccoli, onion, cabbage, celery, parsley and most legumes. Still other food sources involve honey, chocolate, bell pollen, olive oil and many grains. The beneficial compound is also in red wine along with black, white and green tea. It is important to consume a wide variety of these foods to ingest a range of polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and other healthful components,” she says.Mangos are Rich in NutritionFicek points out the value of mangos isn’t limited to their potential to fight cancer. “Aside from polyphenols, they are an excellent source of vitamin A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin,” she states. “The fruit is also a good source of potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Like most other plant foods, mangos are plentiful in nutrients.