Goldenberries for Lung Cancer Prevention

Lung cancer has long been the most ubiquitous form of cancer, causing a greater number of deaths per year than any other type. This is caused mainly by lifestyle choices and the generally unhealthy environments most of us find ourselves in everyday. A good number of the population still smokes despite all the health hazards associated with it, and through second hand smoke they damage not just their lungs but those of others as well. Add to this all the pollutants and hydrocarbons being pumped by automobiles and industry into the air and it’s no wonder things are so bad. Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen our body’s resistance to lung cancer and other diseases, such as getting regular exercise and maintaining a proper diet. Before you grab for just any fruit or vegetable, know that some foods are better at fighting cancer than others. Scientists have recently discovered that goldenberries are among the best foods for preventing the development and spread of lung cancer.

 A recent study by Taiwanese scientists has confirmed that the anti-hepatoma and anti-inflammatory effects of the goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) were helpful in preventing the growth of cancer causing cells. What’s more, the goldenberry contains a unique substance called Hydroxywithanolide E, a compound that research has shown to be very effective at preventing genetic mutations in the DNA of the cells in our lungs. This is important because all cancers are caused by errors or damage in our genetic material. These damaged genes become ticking time bombs in our bodies, and when they are activated, they cause the growth of mutated cells that could develop into cancer tumors. Such damage to our DNA is also the cause behind many genetic diseases and disorders. Hydroxywithanolide E’s ability to mitigate DNA damage currently has scientists looking to it as a natural chemotherapy agent. This would be a great leap in cancer care and treatment, because the artificial chemotherapy agents currently being used tend to be harmful for the patient’s overall health. In essence, current chemotherapy drugs work by killing cancer cells and tumors faster than they kill the rest of the body – This is why chemotherapy is such a harrowing experience for those who undergo it. If naturally derived chemotherapy agents such as Hydroxywithanolide E can be pressed into widespread use, it would definitely be a great step forward in improving cancer treatments.