Studies suggest boron has potent cancer-fighting properties

Studies suggest boron has potent cancer-fighting properties By Zoey Sky for Super Foods

GNN Note – Plums / Prunes, they look like plums / prunes! / END

Following a balanced diet is important for your overall well-being. And according to several studies, consuming foods rich in the trace element boron can help protect you from certain types of cancer.

How does boron protect you from cancer?

Boron is a trace mineral that naturally occurs in different plant foods. It is a structural component of plant cell walls and has a role in seed formation, pollination and plant growth.

Several studies have shown that boron acts as a potent cancer-fighting agent.

Cervical cancer

Many studies have been conducted in Turkey due to the country’s unusually low incidence of cervical cancer. Researchers believe that is partly due to Turkey’s boron-rich soil.

According to studies on women living in boron-rich and boron-poor areas, there is a lower incidence of cervical cancer among the former compared to the latter.

Data suggests that boron affects the life cycle of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is important because HPV is a primary factor in 95 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Lung cancer

In a study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1995 through 2005, findings revealed that postmenopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy enjoyed a reduced risk of lung cancer after increasing their boron intake.

Prostate cancer

Data from various studies have identified boron as a crucial component in reducing the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells.

One study revealed that mice with prostate cancer tumors experienced up to 38 percent shrinkage of their tumors when exposed to boron. The trace mineral is also associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.

Other health benefits of boron

Calcium loss is an issue that plagues women, especially as they age. Studies in humans and animals have revealed an important link between bone health and boron.

These studies have shown that boron benefits bones in many ways:

• Boron can help prevents bone demineralization.
• Boron relieves bone problems linked with vitamin D and magnesium deficiency.
• Boron helps prevent calcium loss.
• Boron improves and maintains bone density.
• Boron helps boost bone strength.

Studies have also shown that boron offers these amazing health benefits:

• Boron boosts magnesium absorption.
• Boron helps improve your body’s use of estrogen, testosterone and vitamin D.
• Boron helps improve wound healing.
• Boron may help decrease the adverse side effects caused by chemotherapy.
• Boron raises levels of catalyst, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other antioxidant enzymes.
• Boron can help lower levels of C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and other inflammatory biomarkers.
• Boron aids in the activity and formation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM-e) and other key biomolecules.
• Boron helps improve the electrical activity within your brain, which may benefit improved short-term memory among elderly patients. The trace element can also help boost cognitive performance.
• Boron offers protective benefits against heavy metal toxicity and oxidative stress caused by pesticides.

Incorporating boron into a balanced diet

Some plants contain boron. You can also boost your intake by taking boron supplements. (Related: Research shows fish oil supplements boost the effectiveness of cancer treatments.)

Fruits, legumes, tubers and other plant foods are full of important trace minerals like boron.

Below are the top ten sources of boron:

• 1 cup prune juice – 1.43 mg
• 1/2 cup avocado – 1.07 mg
• 1.5 oz. raisins – .95 mg
• 1 medium peach – .80 mg
• 1 cup grape juice – 0 .76 mg
• 1 medium apple – .66 mg
• 1 medium pear – .50 mg
• 1 oz. roasted and salted peanuts – .48 mg
• 1/2 cup refried beans – .48 mg
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter – .46 mg

Drinking prune juice can help boost your digestive health. Meanwhile, avocados are full of healthy fats and dietary fiber. Additionally, avocados are rich in nutrients like copper, folate and vitamin K.

There is still not enough data available for the Food and Nutrition Board to determine a recommended daily allowance for boron. But according to the World Health Organization, adults can safely take one to 13 mg of boron daily.

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