Superfruits may reduce cancer risk, study suggests
Blueberries, blackberries and papaya, which have come to be regarded as 'superfruits', could reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer, Hong Kong researchers have found.
A study published in the Journal of Cancer Research found that lupeol, a compound contained in these fruits, suppresses the spread of cancer.
The compound blocks a natural protein called NFkB, which aids the growth and repair of cells.
"We already knew that a healthy diet, including at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, could reduce a person's risk of developing mouth cancer," said Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation.
"The suggestion is that the lupeol compound that is contained in fruits like blackberries, blueberries, papaya and blackcurrant could be more effective than traditional drugs in preventing the growth of mouth cancer cells."
The expert added that awareness of mouth cancer is "frighteningly low", despite the fact that the disease kills one person every five hours in the UK.
Blueberries, blackberries and papaya, which have come to be regarded as 'superfruits', could reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer, Hong Kong researchers have found.
