Delightful fruits and health-beneficial Figs have been used as food and medicine from prehistoric times. Not only are those sweet, juicy fruits tasty, but they contain some compounds that cancer patients could use in the healing process. So, let’s look at how those humble fruits can make a difference for people fighting cancer.
What makes figs unique for cancer patients?
Figs are a kind of natural medicine cabinet. Fruits contain unique substances called bioactive substances. These substances work as tiny helpers inside the body by fighting cells that might be destructive and by helping the healthy ones. A cancer patient’s body must work overtime to eliminate the disease while it is very vulnerable. Hence there is a need for this kind of nutrition support.
Yes! In the first place, they need antioxidants which can shields around our cells. Figs are ricn in such compounds called polyphenols. These antioxidants act as. They inhibit the damage caused by harmful substances, such as free radicals, in cases of cancer. Eating figs by a patient suffering from cancer offers protection to the body in relation to these harmful substances.
How does this help alter the environment inside a cancer patient’s body?
Our bodies are like cities, with millions of cells working together. In cancer patients, some parts of this city aren’t working correctly. Figs can make the environment in our body’s “city” healthier in several ways.
To start with, figs have anti-inflammatory properties. A fire is burning within us, and this fuels the rapid growth of cancer in the body. Figs possess unique compounds that function like firefighters by cooling the inflammatory fire in our bodies. They do this through flavonoids and polyphenols that cause the body to relax its inflammation response.
That also makes the environment less favorable to the cancer cell because cancer cells thrive very well in an acidic pH environment. At the same time, the mineral composition of figs helps keep our system in a balanced pH scale that makes it hard for the cancer cell to spread.
What does science have to say about figs and cancer cells?
Scientists have done a wide variety of research to analyze how figs influence cancerous cells. Researchers have discovered a few pretty interesting conclusions. Several in vitro tests were performed, where researchers experimented to analyze compounds in the fruit. As a result of this test, these researchers observed some interference by some of these compounds found in fruits against specific forms of the proliferation of certain cancer cells.
One way is through apoptosis, a scientific-sounding word for programmed cell death. Imagine it this way: our bodies naturally eliminate aged or damaged cells to keep us healthy. Compounds from grapes can facilitate just this process in cancer cells while sparing healthy cells.
The study also revealed that the compounds found in figs could help inhibit cancer cells from generating new blood vessels to feed themselves. This process is referred to as anti-angiogenesis, and it cuts off the lines of supply to cancerous cells, making it hard for them to grow and develop.
In what ways do figs alleviate side effects that result from cancer treatment?
Chemotherapy and radiation therapies that are considered effective in tackling cancer are very harsh on the body. In this regard, figs can be of special help. They help manage a number of common side effects of cancer treatment.
For patients who suffer from nausea, figs can settle the stomach. They are easily digestible and provide instant energy. The natural sugars present in figs can be very helpful in managing fatigue. They give the patient a gentle energy boost when they need it most.
Most cancer patients are constipated, either due to their medications or their lower level of activity. Figs are loaded with fiber, which can keep a digestive system moving. Only several figs contain a high daily fiber intake.
What nutrients in figs are essential for cancer patients?
Figs are tiny packages of extraordinary food value. They contain several vitamins and minerals, which are essential for patients with cancer. Figs also contain specific nutrients that can help our bodies. Now, let’s go through them!
- First of all, the vitamin B6 in figs helps to make new blood cells. Conventional treatments lower blood cell counts in general. The copper in figs also helps to make new blood cells and keeps bones strong.
- Figs contain potassium, which is suitable for the smooth working of the muscles and keeps the heart healthy. This is all the more necessary because sometimes cancer treatments affect the heart’s functioning.
- The magnesium content in figs decreases the feeling of tiredness and helps the body’s immune system. Many patients going through cancer treatment get very tired, so this can play a significant role in their daily lives.
How can cancer patients include figs in their diet?
Handle them carefully and begin your dietary regime with one to two figs daily, taking note of how this treatment changes your body in your personal experience. Although they are heavenly fresh only while the seasons allow it, it’s equally easy to carry and use the dry fruit forms for all practical purposes.
You can eat them raw, on their own, or add them to a whole variety of other foods. Try chopping them up and adding them to oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast. In fact, you can make an easy fig tea by soaking dried figs in water—this can really be very soothing for patients whose throats are irritated by treatment.
Is there some particular precaution that cancer patients must take when consuming figs?
Although figs are considered generally safe, there is one thing cancer patients should note. Before anything else, if you are on drugs that help control bleeding, you need to discuss the frequency of your fresh fig consumption with your physician. In them, vitamin K may conflict with the blood thinning medications.
Diabetic patients or those whose blood sugar they monitor need to be cautious about consuming dried figs because they contain natural sugars in greater concentrations. Maybe fresh figs would fit the bill better.
There are people who are anaphylactic to dried figs, particularly those with latex fruit syndrome. If you have never taken figs, start by taking a small portion and then be keen to check for any adverse effects.
Conclusion: Prospects for figs in cancer treatment
Scientists are continually researching figs and their possible benefits to cancer patients. New research focuses on certain compounds in figs and how they might be used to treat cancer. While figs should not replace any prescribed cancer treatments, they may increasingly become essential to supporting cancer patients’ overall health.
Some researchers are even developing new cancer drugs based on compounds found in figs. This shows how precious these natural compounds might be in the fight against cancer.
Some Useful Words:
Remember, while figs may benefit cancer patients, they should be part of a more extensive, well-planned approach to cancer care. Consider discussing with your healthcare team before changing your diet, even with natural foods like figs. They can help you figure out how to include figs in your cancer care plan.
Using figs as part of one’s journey with cancer may mean another tool in their box. They cannot fight cancer alone, but their supporting role can be more beneficial for your body and body system to fight. Its natural compounds, nutrient profile, and healing properties make figs a strong and vital component of dietary management in cancer patients with wise and medically guided practice.
REFERENCE LINKS:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18078703/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3371962/
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-figs
- https://www.aicr.org/resources/blog/health-talk-i-love-dried-figs-and-dates-but-arent-they-too-loaded-with-sugar-to-be-healthy/
- https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/article-abstract/3097/1/020008/3289987/Evaluation-of-the-anticancer-effects-of-fig-leaf?redirectedFrom=fulltext