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A: It certainly looks that way. Researchers have
found that pecans are a particularly rich source of
gamma-tocopherol, a specific form of vitamin E found
mainly in foods that has been shown to help prevent
inflammation, which has been implicated in the
development of cancer.
Moreover, laboratory studies with gamma-tocopherol
show that it can slow the growth of prostate cancer
cells and lung cancer cells.
Researchers out of Purdue University in West
Layafette, Indiana, found in their experiments that as
the levels of gamma-tocopherol increased, cancer cells
grew more slowly. However, alpha-tocopherol, the form of
vitamin E most commonly found in supplements (but not in
foods) did not provide the same anti-cancer benefits.
Gamma-tocopherol can also trigger the destruction of
cancer cells, a process known as apoptosis, which is an
important function for stopping cancer in its tracks.
Pecans are also a rich source of several naturally
occurring plant compounds (phytonutrients) including
flavonoids that are believed to have anticancer roles as
well.
While more research needs to be done in animals and
humans to backup the findings from laboratory studies,
the research to date suggests a role for pecans and
other foods rich in gamma-tocopherol and phytonutrients
for both the prevention and treatment of some types of
cancer. |
