Researchers Say Munch More Mangoes to Fight Cancer.

2001 FEB 22 - (NewsRx.com) -- A University of Florida (UP) study indicates mangoes can be added to the arsenal of foods known to help fight cancer.

In fact, the study shows, someone looking for cancer-fighting ability might be better off picking up a few mangoes at the grocery store instead of apples or a bunch of bananas, said Susan Percival, a UF nutrition and immunity specialist.

"We think mangoes have some unique antioxidants as well as quantities of antioxidants that might not be found in other fruits and vegetables," said Percival, UP Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, who conducted the study.

Antioxidants inhibit cancer formation by protecting cells against damage from free radicals oxygen atoms that have lost an electron and have become unstable, Percival said. When a cell is damaged, it can become cancerous, she said.

"We can't say these compounds from mangoes are going to prevent cancer in humans because those studies haven't been done," Percival said. "But what we can say about the mango is that it contains potent antioxidants, and it would be a good part of a healthy diet.

"Every American has heard the message that five servings of fruits and vegetables a day are important to one's health," she said. "This is some more evidence that a particular fruit has cancer fighting capabilities."

In her study, pureed mangoes were divided into two portions. One part contained known antioxidants such as the yellow carotenoids that include beta carotene. The other portion contained components that easily dissolved in water, similar to water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C.