Study: A banana a day can prevent hereditary cases of cancer

Study: A banana a day can prevent hereditary cases of cancer


The study shows that the substance found in bananas, resistant starch, reduces the number of cancers caused by Lynch syndrome





Study: A banana a day can prevent hereditary cases of cancer

Researchers from the universities of Newcastle and Leeds, both in the UK, have found that eating one banana a day can play an important role in cancer prevention, especially in hereditary cases.

The study followed patients with Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer before age 50. The results showed that doses of resistant starch, a substance present in the fruit, reduced the incidence of the disease by about 60%.

About a thousand patients were monitored. Doses of 30 grams of resistant starch equivalent to that found in a banana per day were given for up to 20 years. In the long term, far fewer cases of cancer related to the syndrome were seen in the group that received the supplement than in those who took a placebo.

The only condition that showed no benefit was colorectal cancer. However, daily banana consumption showed gains especially for cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract, namely cancer of the esophagus, stomach, biliary tract, pancreas and duodenum.

benefits of banana

In addition to the cancer prevention benefits, bananas are also quite versatile and can be eaten with any meal of the day. “There is no specific time to eat bananas, as it provides carbohydrates with a bit faster absorption, it can be a good option before training,” says nutritionist Arthur Mendonça.

The expert explains that the fruit is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which helps to increase the body’s glycogen stores. Therefore, fruit is a great pre and post workout option. “In addition to carbohydrates, banana is a source of micronutrients such as potassium, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium, helping with muscle contraction and the immune system,” he reveals.

The nutritionist recommends consumption especially with oatmeal, yogurt, peanut butter, among others.

Source: Terra

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