A new study shows that people who eat dried plums as part of their daily diet has a smaller risk of developing colon cancer.
The research which were conducted by scientists from Texas A&M University and the University of North Carolina showed that eating the dried fruits also known as prunes can facilitate the retention of gut bacteria in the colon which may help in preventing colon cancer.
Dried plums are said to contain phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. These compounds neutralize the oxidant effects caused by the free radicals which harm a person's DNA.
The study was conducted by testing the phenolic compounds found in the dried plums to rats. The animals were fed with a diet containing dried plums and also another diet with controlled amount of foods.
Both types of diets have similar calorie and macronutrient composition so that excess differences may be attributed to the dried fruits. Researchers then studied the intestinal contents including the colon tissue of the animals.
The study shows that those rats that ate dried fruits contain smaller levels of crypts compared to rats who consumed a controlled diet. Scientists stated that the amount of crypts in the gut can be a sign of cancer development, especially colon cancer.
Dr. Nancy Turner explained to Medical News Today the result of the said study.
"From this study we were able to conclude that dried plums did, in fact, appear to promote retention of beneficial microbiota and microbial metabolism throughout the colon, which was associated with a reduced incidence of precancerous lesions," the lead author stated.
In the United States, colon cancer is one of the most prevalent deadly cancer for men and women. Some studies already suggest that colon cancer can be prevented thru specific types of diets like a diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains.
Dr. Turner emphasizes that a further study should be conducted in the near future. The said study was presented at the 2015 Experimental Biology Conference in Boston.
