ALBANY, Ga., Sept. 17, 2024
ALBANY, Ga., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A recent study conducted by the University of Wisconsin – Madison and published in the journal Current Developments in Nutrition has found that the skins of peanuts may inhibit the growth and proliferation of childhood leukemia cells. In lab tests, researchers discovered that the polyphenols in peanut skins successfully reduced the proliferation of the cancer cells for up to 72 hours after application.1
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"While the data is still preliminary, this study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests the bioactive compounds in peanuts and their skins can contribute to improving our health, and that including peanuts regularly in the diet may even be protective against cancer," says Dr. Samara Sterling, a nutrition scientist and research director for The Peanut Institute.
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The paper-thin skins of peanuts contain polyphenolic compounds, including resveratrol, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols and isoflavones that may help prevent the development of certain cancers. The skins also have bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, that help neutralize cell-damaging molecules in the body called free radicals. Plus, they are packed with protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Some snack peanuts, as well as in-shell and boiled peanuts, are available with the skins on.
Cancer Fighting CompoundsIt's believed several compounds in peanuts work together in a synergistic way to help stop cancer cells from developing.2 Specifically, procyanidins, phytosterols and resveratrol, which are bioactive compounds that are naturally in plants, have shown cancer-preventative qualities.
Evidence also suggests that phytosterols may prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading and may cut off the blood flow to cancers, inhibiting lung, stomach, ovarian, prostate, colon and breast cancers.
Like phytosterols, resveratrol has been found to cut off the blood supply to growing cancers and to inhibit cancer cell growth. It has shown promise in helping fight breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, brain and bladder cancers. A 2017 study observed that resveratrol accomplishes this in breast cancer by preventing cancerous cell invasion.3
Other studies have found:
Cancer Fighting FoodsPeanuts are one of many "cancer fighting foods."7 Other beneficial foods are broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, berries, oranges, grapefruit, beans, peas and lentils.
"Incorporating nuts, fruits and vegetables into a daily diet is smart because these plant-based foods contain phytochemicals that can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer and can help you live a longer, healthier life," says Dr. Sterling. "Adults should have a handful of peanuts and five servings of fruits and vegetables a day."
The Peanut Institute has created a helpful guide on Healthy Nutrition for Cancer Prevention & Support that can be downloaded. The website also contains a page on What and How to Eat During Cancer.
"Just a small amount of peanuts can deliver significant benefits. Plus, peanuts and peanut butter are affordable and convenient so they're easy to incorporate into a child or adult's daily diet," adds Dr. Sterling.
For more health news, visit PeanutInstitute.com or follow Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
Based in Albany, Ga., The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization supporting nutrition research and developing educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products. The Peanut Institute pursues its mission through research programs, educational initiatives and the promotion of healthful lifestyles to consumers of all ages. As an independent forum, The Peanut Institute is uniquely positioned to work with all segments of the food industry, the research community, academia, consumer organizations and governmental institutions.
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SOURCE The Peanut Institute
