What you eat is as important to cancer prevention as it is for cancer recovery. In fact, if you eat unhealthily, gain excess body fat, there will be consequences. Foods like fruits contain healthy compounds that may slow tumor growth for cancer patients. Fruits can also reduce certain side effects of treatment to help ease the road to recovery.
Incorporating nutritious foods into your diet, including fruits, help supply your body with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. But it’s important that your fruit choices are suitable to your specific symptoms.
For example, fruits rich in fiber can help induce regularity if you’re experiencing constipation. Or fruit smoothies are a good option if you have difficulty swallowing. On the other hand, there are fruits that you should avoid based on your symptoms.
Citrus fruits may worsen the feeling of dry mouth or irritate mouth sores. Some whole fruits like apricots and apples are not easy for some patients to swallow due to mouth sores.
Given these points, below are 4 best fruits for cancer patients to eat during and after treatment.
Best fruits for cancer patients
1. Bananas
Bananas are easy to tolerate, thus great for those who have difficulty swallowing. Not only that, but they also contain many important nutrients like vitamin C, B6, and magnesium. Additionally, a fiber called pectin is also found in bananas. This fiber is very beneficial for those experiencing diarrhea caused by cancer treatments. Because bananas are also rich in potassium, they can also help replenish electrolytes lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries pack large amounts of manganese, vitamin C, and fiber into each serving. Moreover, they’re one of the few fruits for cancer patients that’s well-studied for their cancer-fighting effects. They also help alleviate problems with concentration and memory. In fact, several studies show that blueberries have improved several aspect of brain function in adults and children.
3. Lemons
Although lemons have a sour taste, they put a fresh smell on just about anything. In every serving, they deliver a burst of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. They’re particularly hight in vitamin C, but also contain vitamin B6, potassium, and iron. In addition, small studies indicate that lemon extract may help prevent the growth of several types of cancer cells.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are a favorite for many fruit lovers. Rich in folate, potassium, antioxidant, and vitamin C, they offer benefits specific to cancer recovery. First, they are sweet and soft, making them suitable for those with mild swallowing difficulties. Second, animal studies show that strawberries reduced oral cancer tumor. And third, another animal study reported that strawberries helped block tumor growth and killed breast cancer cells.
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