Listen up, men -- time to eat more mangoes! Turns out this luscious treat may provide powerful protection against prostate cancer.New research suggests mangoes can reduce free-radical damage, preserve the body's antioxidant enzymes and contain prostate enlargement -- all key indicators of the body's fight against prostate cancer, the most common deadly cancer among men.
Indian researchers fed mango pulp to mice with prostate damage comparable to incipient cancer.Compared to a control group, the mango mice had 21% lower free-radical levels, plus normal levels of antioxidant enzymes (the control group suffered a 30-50% depletion).Equally impressive: a 75% reduction in prostate enlargement for the mango mice (the control mice had doubled their prostate size).
The study authors attribute these benefits to a mango antioxidant called lupeol, but the tropical fruit also contains other cancer-fighting nutrients, such as fiber and beta-carotene.A cup of mango also provides 76% of your daily vitamin C and 25% of your daily vitamin A, plus it is a good source of fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and copper.If convenience is a concern, keep in mind that frozen mangoes are just as nutritious as fresh.Also, make room for other Prostate Superfoods, such as tomatoes, watermelon, pomegranate, guava, spinach and the cruciferous veggies broccoli and cauliflower.Favor whole foods over supplements, which can double your chances of dying from prostate cancer.