FRESH PINEAPPLE FOR LUNG CANCER

More than 150,000 adults in the United States die from lung cancer every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They add that lung cancer is the most deadly form of cancer. Like most cancer forms, risk of developing cancer of the lung can be modified by making healthy food choices. Fresh pineapples are one food that may aid in lung cancer risk reduction when combined with a healthy, balanced diet.

Background

According to MayoClinic.com, smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer in most cases. Non-smoking related risk factors for lung cancer include family history, habitual exposure to environmental or occupational air pollutants and alcohol abuse. Lung cancer develops when certain changes to your lung cell's DNA causes an uncontrollable reproduction of new cells. Eventually, these new cells can form a cancerous tumor which may spread to other areas of your body.

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Connection

Lung cancer -- whether caused from tobacco smoke or other causes -- starts when a cell's DNA becomes damaged and reproduces rapidly. Antioxidants are compounds in fresh fruits --including pineapple-- that prevent this DNA damage. Pineapple is especially rich in the antioxidant vitamin C. Also, pineapple contains a unique antioxidant enzyme known as bromelain that inhibited cancer cell growth in several animal and test tube studies, according to the May 2008 "Pakistani Journal of Nutrition."

Evidence

A research study published in the September 2007 "International Journal of Cancer" investigated the connection between fruit intake -- including pineapples-- on lung cancer risk. They found that for every 100 g of fruit one consumed per day, lung cancer risk was reduced by approximately 10 percent. However, no study has specifically investigated pineapple as a preventative measure or treatment for lung cancer.

Considerations

Fresh pineapple is a healthy food that may be included in a cancer-fighting diet that includes other antioxidant-rich foods such as green tea, carrots, broccoli and apples. More research is needed to determine whether eating fresh pineapple has an impact on lung cancer risk. You can combat lung cancer by maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and exercising regularly.