Lemons, especially their peels, are an excellent source of terpenes such as d-limonene. D-limonene have shown impressive benefits in studies against a many different forms of cancer.
According to the Institute of Health Sciences, after more than 20 laboratory tests since 1970, lemon extract destroys malignant cells in 12 different cancers, including breast, colon, prostate, lung and pancreas. The compounds of lemon are said to be 10,000 times better than the product Adriamycin, (a chemotherapy drug) slowing the growth of cancer cells. In addition, this type of lemon extract therapy only destroys malignant cancer cells while allowing healthy cells to remain unaffected.
Preliminary studies in humans are also showing promising benefits in breast cancer patients. During a study conducted at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, 43 women diagnosed with breast cancer, were given 2 grams of limonene daily for two to six weeks. Blood and breast tissue were collected during the elective mastectomy, to measure the level of d-limonene as well as note any changes in systemic and tissue biomarkers of breast cancer.
Results showed that d-limonene was found in the breast tissue, reaching high tissue concentration (average = 41.3 μg/g tissue).
Research by Texas Agriculture Experiment Station scientists has shown that citrus compounds called limonoids targeted and stopped neuroblastoma cells in the lab.
Neuroblastomas are responsible for about 10 percent of all cancer in children, Harris said, and is usually a solid tumor in the neck, chest, spinal cord or adrenal gland. Dr. Ed Harris, Experiment Station biochemist collaborated on a study with Dr. Bhimu Patil, a plant physiologist at the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in Weslaco.
“Limonoids are naturally occurring compounds,” Harris said. “Unlike other anti-cancer drugs that are toxic, limonoids apparently do not hurt a person. That’s the beautiful potential.”
Patil calls citrus fruit “a vast reservoir of anti-carcinogens.” As a plant physiologist, he has succeeded in isolating and purifying a number of limonoids from citrus so that the biochemists could evaluate and compare their anti-cancer abilities at the molecular level.
“Limonoids are unique to citrus,” Patil said. “They are not present in any other fruits or vegetables. My goal is to find the direct benefits of citrus on human health.”
Results also showed that d-limonene supplementation resulted in a 22% reduction in the expression of tumor markers.
D-limonene is available as a dietary supplement, but it is easily obtained from the diet. In lemons the highest content of limonene is found in the peel and white spongy inner parts. A typical average-sized lemon has about 300 mg of d-limonene.
Juicing lemons is a great way to naturally add terpenes to your diet. Since lemons have a tart flavor, I suggest add some other fruits to add some sweetness. Optional additions for your fresh juice with terpenes are berries, cherries, and herbs such as peppermint, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Citrus Cherry Juice yields one gallon
Ingredients
•2⁄3 cup organic lemon juice
•2 organic lemons
•2 organic oranges
•1⁄3 cup organic orange juice
•1 cup organic cherry juice
•2 cups of organic coconut sugar
•4 peppermint leaves
• warm/hot water
Directions:
In a gallon glass jug, fill container about 1/4 full with fairly warm water, add sugar.
Add remaining ingredients, squeezing juice from the lemons and oranges into the jug.
Cut one of the pre-squeezed lemon and oranges into thin slices and add slices into container.
(The oils from the skins add alot of flavor.) Fill container with cold water, shake, and serve over ice.
Reference:
Miller JA, Lang JE, Ley M, et al. Human breast tissue disposition and bioactivity of limonene in women with early-stage breast cancer. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2013 Jun;6(6):577-84.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041130203424.htm
Credits:Anya V, source
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