Guiliana Noratto says eat three peaches a day
Washington State University food scientist Guiliana Noratto has found that compounds in peaches can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread. Here we learn more about the research, and why she recommends three-a-day
Peaches can in inhibit breast cancer cells – how?
Polyphenols in peaches can induce the cancer cells to commit suicide by turning on a cascade of cell signals inside the cells, this is the reason the growth of the tumours slowed down in mice with implanted breast cancer tumours.
You recommend a dose of three peaches a day – why so many? And how are we meant to fit that into our diet?
The polyphenols from peaches are also present in all the stone fruits including plums and nectarines, and several other fruits and vegetables. The general recommendation is to eat as much as possible of fruits and vegetables to provide our body with these active components.
Why did you choose to study the effect of peaches on cancer?
I was drawn to this research after doing work on the antioxidant activity of root plants in my native Peru. We have a huge tradition of medicinal plants; we are great believers that you can cure yourself by having a good diet and a good supply of medicinal plants.