Avocados May Help Prevent Oral Cancer
Extracts from avocados kill or stop the growth of precancerous cells that lead to oral cancer, report researchers at Ohio State University. They exposed the cells to a number of avocado extracts, checking to see which extracts were effective and how they worked. They found that the extracts that worked best targeted multiple signaling pathways in the precancerous cells, interfering with their growth. The extracts also increased the amount of reactive oxygen inside the cells, leading to cell death, without harming normal cells.
The researchers used Hass avocados, a common, smaller variety available in supermarkets year-round. Hass avocados have distinctive bumpy skin that turns from green to purplish-black as they ripen.
Avocados have a lot of beneficial nutrients including vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, fiber and unsaturated fats. They’re a good way to turn a salad into a meal or add creamy richness to dressings or dips. (Ding, H., et al. Seminars in Cancer Biology 2007, doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2007.04.003.)
Pingback: Study Finds Avocados to be Superfood Extraordinaire | Live in the Now | Natural Health News | Natural Health Resources