Grandma always said to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Now scientists at the University of Maryland have completed a comprehensive review of the benefits of modified citrus pectin, and it seems that Grandma was offering good advice.
Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a natural substance made from fruit peels and altered to be better absorbed into the body. Evidence suggests that this soluble fiber has anti-cancer benefits. Not only does it seem to help block the development of blood vessels that feed tumors, it also encourages cancer cells to commit suicide.
Modified citrus pectin may also improve the effectiveness of some chemotherapy agents and provide protective anti-inflammatory action. The research so far is preliminary and we don’t yet know if this will work well in actual human patients with cancer. Nonetheless, it is worth keeping an eye out for further research–and eating your fruits and veggies!
[American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, April 18, 2013]
