Eat Your Peaches!

Meet our newest ABI Physician – Dr. Jeri Sue Plaxco

5 years ago

Three peaches a day may prevent breast cancer…wow! What an accessible and delicious measure to incorporate into your breast health. Food science researcher Giuliana Noratto at Washington State University, in concert with colleagues at Texas A & M, found that compounds in peaches can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread. These compounds are called polyphenols and they exist in other “stone fruits” but are of particularly high concentration in peaches. These compounds act as antioxidants and can protect DNA against damage that can produce cancer. Noratto et al. published their first study in 2009 and a follow up study in 2014. They demonstrated that high dose peach extracts not only slowed the growth of tumors in mice, but actually induced cancer cell death and decreased the level of metastases. This is fabulous news and another great example of how the whole foods found in nature truly protect our bodies. So, this summer load up on peaches for the whole family. Remember to be selective about your fruit and opt for the organic, pesticide free ones to ensure you get the full benefits without potential harm.

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This article is not intended as a substitute for medical prevention or treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your physician.

Peach & Tomato Salad with Basil

Ingredients

2 cups fresh organic basil leaves, plus small leaves for garnish
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon honey or agave
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 firm ripe organic yellow peaches, cut into wedges
4 organic tomatoes, mix of large heirloom tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Prep 5 min • Cook 5 min • Total 10 min

Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Add the basil to the boiling water and cook until just wilted and bright green, about 15 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a blender, add honey & puree until smooth. With the machine running, add the olive oil & 1/4 teaspoon each salt & pepper.
Spread the basil puree on a serving platter. Arrange the peaches and tomatoes on top and sprinkle with the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Garnish with whole basil leaves and serve.

Adapted from Food Network’s Tomato Peach Salad with Basil

Austin Breast Imaging supports the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) recommendations that breast cancer screening should begin at age 40 and earlier in high risk patients. Please call or visit our website to schedule your mammogram today.

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