12 Amazing Fruits to Eat During and After Cancer Treatment

Everyone knows by now that what you eat increases or decreases your risk of cancer. And whether you're getting treatment for cancer or just want to prevent potential health issues, eating healthy is key. Fruits for instance are loaded with compounds that benefit your mind and body in different ways. They may even slow the growth of tumors and alleviate the side effects of treatment which can help you recover faster. Today I'll let you in on the 12 best fruits to eat while getting cancer treatment and afterward. But first, don't forget to click the thumbs up button to support my lymphoma channel and help us share more videos in the future. Also don't forget to subscribe and ring the notification bell so you can get my latest videos. Now back to our video. As I said, your food choices are very important while you're getting treatment or recovering from cancer. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are two types of cancer treatment that can cause side effects. And what you eat and drink can take the edge off of these side effects which include fatigue, anemia, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, dry mouth and difficulty with swallowing, mouth sores and mood swings. Surrounding out your diet with healthy foods such as fruits will provide you with the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body needs to help you get through cancer treatment. However, it's important to choose fruits based on how your body responds to them. For example, if you have trouble swallowing you could try pureed fruits or smoothies. If you have trouble going to the bathroom, you could try fruits that are high in fiber. Depending on your symptoms, you may also want to stay away from certain fruits. For example, citrus fruits can aggravate mouth sores and make your mouth drier. Additionally, these same symptoms can make it harder to eat whole fruits such as apples, apricots and pears. Especially if you have difficulty swallowing. With that in mind, let's get into the best fruits to eat starting with... Number 12. Oranges. Oranges are a common citrus fruit that people like for their sweet flavor, bright color and high level of nutrients. Just one medium-sized orange can give you all of the vitamin C you need for the day and more. It can also give you thiamine, folate and potassium which are all important nutrients. Vitamin C can strengthen and support your immune system during and after treatment for cancer. According to research, vitamin C may slow the growth and spread of cancer cells and help treat some types of cancer. On top of that, vitamin C can also help your body absorb iron better. This prevents anemia which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Number 11. Blueberries. Blueberries are nutrient-dense because each serving packs loads of fiber, vitamin C and manganese. They're also rich in antioxidants and studies show that they play a significant role in fighting cancer. Blueberries may also help with something known as the chemo which is a term for memory and concentration problems that sometimes cancer patients and survivors have during treatment and recovery. One small study found that older people who drank blueberry juice every day for 12 weeks were able to retain new information better. In the same way, a recent review of 11 studies found that blueberries made children's and adults' brains function better in various ways. Even though these studies didn't include people getting treatment for cancer, the results may still be useful. Number 10. Apples. Apples are one of the most popular fruits and also one of the healthiest. Each serving has a lot of fiber, potassium and vitamin C, all of which can help cancer patients get better. Apples have fiber which keeps your digestive system running smoothly and your bowel movements regular. Potassium affects the balance of fluids in your body and can help stop fluid retention, which is a common side effect in certain forms of chemotherapy. Lastly, vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Number 9. Mulberries. Mulberries are a kind of fruit that are as colorful as figs and breadfruit. They've shown to be useful in fighting certain ailments such as cardiovascular disease and high blood sugar. But on top of that, new research also shows that they may be able to fight cancer. Mulberries are one of the few fruits that are high in both vitamin C and iron. This may help protect against anemia caused by cancer treatments. They also have a lot of lignans, a type of plant fiber that has been shown to boost the immune system and kill cancer cells. More than that, mulberries have also been used in eastern medicine to prevent cancer. This probably has to do with its ability to cut down on free radicals which can damage cells through oxidation. However, more research needs to be done to find out if eating mulberries in normal amounts may help during and after treatment for cancer. That said, having a serving of this sweet treat still packs a nutritional punch and keeps you satisfied between meals. Number 8. Strawberries. If you love fruits, chances are strawberries are on your list. Not only do they perfectly complement your perfect snacks and make for a great breakfast companion, they also have a lot of antioxidant compounds like pelargodonin, not to mention folate, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. Strawberries have a lot of good nutrients that may help with cancer recovery in various ways. For instance, ripe strawberries are soft which makes them good for people who have trouble swallowing. Also, a study on animals showed that freeze-dried strawberries can help stop the growth of tumors in hamsters with oral cancer. In another study, strawberry extract helped kill breast cancer cells and stop the growth of tumors in mice. While further studies need to be done to find out just how effective strawberries are in fighting cancer in humans, you can't deny the overall benefits of this iconic red fruit. Number 7. Lemons. Lemons are known for their sour taste and strong citrus smell. Each serving of lemons gives you a burst of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, they have a lot of vitamin C and some potassium, iron, and vitamin B6 as well. Studies have shown that lemon extract may prevent some types of cancer cells from growing. Some studies on animals have also shown that some of the chemicals in lemons, like limonene, can help you feel better by reducing the effects of stress and depression. Even though more research needs to be done on humans to confirm these results, making lemons a regular part of your favorite drinks and desserts will benefit your long-term health. Number 6. Pomegranates. Pomegranates are tasty and full of health benefits, so they make a great addition to any diet. Like most fruits, they're high in vitamin C and fiber, and also have a generous amount of vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Also, some research has shown that eating pomegranates may help you remember things better. This could help people who have trouble focusing or concentrating because of brain fog-induced chemotherapy. A study of 28 people found that drinking a cup of pomegranate juice every day for four weeks helped them remember things better. Also, studies on animals have shown that pomegranates may help reduce joint pain, which is a common side effect of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. Number 5. Grapefruit. Grapefruit is a healthy fruit that is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Not only does it have a lot of vitamin C, provitamin A, and potassium, but it also has a lot of helpful compounds like lycopene. Lycopene is a carotene that fights cancer effectively and offset the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In a study of 24 adults, drinking 17 ounces or 500 ml of citrus fruit juice, such as grapefruit juice, increased blood flow to the brain. This can help reduce brain fog or what's commonly known as chemo brain. Keep in mind that grapefruit might interact with some medications, so it's best to talk to your doctor if you're taking anything. Number 4. Blackberries. Blackberries are a type of berry that is known for their deep purple color and sweet but slightly bitter taste. This popular fruit has a lot of vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. There are also many antioxidants in blackberries such as elagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid. Elagic acid, in particular, offers a wealth of benefits. Studies show that this acid fights inflammation and, in turn, lowers your cancer risk. Not only that, it also cuts down on developing obesity and related illnesses that result from it. Best of all, the elagic acid also helps with managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Some research suggests that eating berries may help protect against DNA damage, neutralize harmful compounds called free radicals, and slow the growth and spread of cancer cells. Like the other fruits on our list, animal studies show that blackberries can protect brain health and improve memory. This can keep you sharp and firing on all cylinders in spite of getting cancer treatment. Number 3. Bananas. For people who are recovering from cancer, bananas can be a great addition to their diet. Not only are they easy to eat for those who have trouble swallowing, but they're also a good source of critical nutrients like vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin C. Also, bananas have a type of fiber called pectin, which can be especially helpful for people with cancer treatments that cause diarrhea. This is because pectin is a soluble fiber that can bind substances in the intestinal tract, which, in effect, prevents loose and watery bowel movements. So, this means that pectin can also reduce the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from other foods. And since bananas are high in potassium, they can also help replace electrolytes lost through diarrhea or vomiting. Even better is that research shows that pectin may also help stop the growth and spread of colon cancer cells. Still, more research needs to be done to find out how exactly pectin in bananas can slow the growth of cancer cells in people. Number 2. Pears. Pears taste great and can be used in many ways, which makes it a great addition to a healthy diet. If you want to know why this fruit is worth eating, it's because each serving packs a decent amount of fiber, copper, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Copper, in particular, is a key component that allows your immune system to function properly. Thus, it makes you less likely to get sick, which matters a lot during cancer treatment. Like other fruits, pears may have natural compounds that can help fight cancer. In fact, a study of more than 478,000 people showed that those who ate more apples and pears were less likely to get lung cancer. You'll also find anthocyanins, which are a type of plant pigment, in pears. Studies have shown that anthocyanins slow the growth of cancer cells and tumors. Number 1. Cherries. Cherries are a type of stone fruit like peaches, plums, and apricots. Cherries have a lot of vitamin C, potassium, and copper in each serving. These small fruits are also a good source of antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, all of which are good for your health. Many studies have shown that the antioxidants in cherries could help stop cancer cells from growing. For instance, one test tube study showed that cherry extract killed breast cancer cells and stopped them from spreading. Another animal study yielded similar results. Researchers found that certain compounds in tart cherries slowed the growth of colon cancer cells in mice. However, these studies looked at the effects of cherry extracts, which are way more concentrated than a typical serving. More research needs to be done to see if these results also apply to humans eating a normal amount of cherries. And there you have it, 12 amazing fruits that can help you during and after cancer treatment. While these fruits come in different shapes and sizes, they can have a big impact on your health by keeping your energy up and your immune system strong. Whether you're going through some form of cancer treatment, recovering, or living your day-to-day life, making these fruits a regular part of your diet will put you on the path to a healthier, revitalized you. If you enjoyed this video, please share this with your friends on social media, leave us a like, and don't forget to subscribe. We'll see you in the next video. Thanks for watching!