During cancer treatment there is no end of worry about food. The side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other treatment often bring nausea, mouth sores, loss of appetite or digestive trouble. At such a time fruit can be a simple, safe and nourishing standby for the body.

Doctors say fruit is not only a source of vitamins and minerals; some fruits can be particularly helpful in coping with the strain of treatment.

The body does not react to cancer treatment the same way in everyone, so the wisest course is to choose fruit according to the symptoms.

• For vomiting or nausea, soft fruits are easy to digest.
• For constipation, raw fruit, dried fruit or prune juice can help.
• For diarrhoea, bananas, apple sauce and fruit juice are relatively safe.
• For loss of appetite, dried fruit or fruit smoothies help supply calories.
• For mouth sores, nectar, apple juice or soft canned fruit are easier to eat.

When drinking juice, however, check whether it contains too much sugar, because refined sugar can be harmful for cancer patients.

Research on citrus fruits such as oranges, malta and grapefruit suggests that eating them regularly may lower the risk of some kinds of cancer. A large study in Japan found that people who ate citrus fruit or drank citrus juice three to four days a week had a comparatively lower risk of cancer.

These fruits may offer some protection particularly against certain cancers of the digestive tract, lung, breast, prostate and skin.

Analyses of research have found a link between eating apples and a lower risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. The quercetin and a particular type of carbohydrate in apples may help reduce cell damage.

Besides apples, research suggests that white fruit and vegetables such as pears, mushrooms and onions may help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Green fruits such as kiwi, honeydew melon and green grapes are good for the gut. Kiwi in particular is rich in antioxidants and helps maintain good gut bacteria, which may play a role in lowering the risk of colorectal cancer.

Some studies have found that eating dried fruit such as prunes and raisins regularly may lower the risk of colorectal polyps, prostate cancer and death from pancreatic cancer. Specialists therefore advise eating dried fruit three to five times a week.

Research is continuing into the bromelain in pineapple, the antioxidants in pomegranate and the carotenoids in orange-coloured fruit. Nothing can be said for certain yet, but because these fruits are high in fibre they help with weight control and digestion, which matters for cancer patients.

No single fruit cures cancer. But choosing the right fruit during treatment keeps the body strong, reduces side effects and makes the fight to stay well a little easier. So during treatment, choose your fruit on your doctor's advice.

The information is drawn from WebMD.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.