Cantaloupe Compound Kills 87% of Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro:
Researchers have just discovered that cucurbitacin E, found abundantly in cantaloupe, kills up to 87% of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) in vitro. In fact, cucurbitacin E was the most potent of all the cucurbitacins tested.
But does this lab study translate to real health benefits for women?
Yes, according to another study out of China, in which women eating over 40 grams daily of cantaloupe/watermelon/papaya had 38% less risk of breast cancer (watermelon is also a good source of cucurbitacin E, as is winter squash). Cucurbitacin E is a powerful anticancer compound, and has been shown to suppress leukemia, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and others in lab studies. Besides being toxic to cancer cells, cucurbitacin E is also a powerful antioxidant as well as natural anti-inflammatory. It has also been shown to protect the liver against toxic compounds. And according to the study out of China, women may significantly reduce their breast cancer risk just by getting about three to four servings (one serving = 80 grams) weekly of good sources such as cantaloupe, watermelon, or winter squash. And alkaline diet followers take note: cantaloupe has more than double the alkalizing power of pure lemon juice! (PRAL -4.9 versus -2.2 for lemon juice).