What are some of the best fruits to eat with cancer treatment?

Fruit and cancer treatment 

Some research indicates that consuming more fruits high in certain antioxidants is associated with higher cancer survival rates. These antioxidants include vitamin C, α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein.

Additionally, supporting the body with a nutrient-dense diet that includes fruits may help manage cancer side effects.

Some common side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy include:

• fatigue
• infection
• hair loss
• nausea
• constipation
• weight changes
• mouth changes such as sores and issues with swallowing

While a balanced diet may not help with every side effect, the vitamins and nutrients in fruit may help the body stay healthy and fight infection. Fruit also makes for a light snack that is easy on the stomach during episodes of nausea.

Learn about diet before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Oranges and other citrus fruits

Citrus fruit such as oranges, grapefruit, and clementines are excellent sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants such as lutein and β-carotene.

Oxidative stress is the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants help the body fight cell damage from free radicals. The buildup of oxidative stress is responsible for many chemotherapy side effects.

Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron. This can be helpful for people who experience anemia as a side effect of cancer treatment.

Strawberries and other berries

Strawberries are also high in vitamin C.

Additionally, just 1 cup of whole strawberries contains 2.9 grams of fiber. Consuming more fiber may help with chemotherapy-related constipation.

Similar fruits that offer the same benefits include blueberries and raspberries.

Bananas

Bananas contain many of the same nutrients and compounds as the other fruits in this list, such as fiber and antioxidants.

However, as they are low-acid, bananas may be a more stomach-friendly fruit for people with chemotherapy-related nausea.

Bananas are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, so they are helpful for replacing the electrolytes the body loses from vomiting.

Avocados

Avocados may be beneficial for helping hair regrowth after chemotherapy as they contain biotin, a vitamin helpful for hair growth.

A medium avocado contains about 1.85 micrograms of biotin, 6% of the daily recommended value. As with bananas, avocados are also a good source of fiber.

Food safety 

Since a weakened immune system is a potential complication of chemotherapy and advanced cancer, it is important to take steps to avoid a food-borne illness.

Raw fruit can carry harmful bacteria. Before eating fruit, a person can help prevent food-borne illnesses by:

• Inspecting the fruit for any sign of mold or rot and discarding if any is present.
• Washing the fruit thoroughly before consuming it.
• Cutting fruit on a clean cutting board to avoid cross-contamination with other foods, such as raw meat.

When to speak with a doctor 

Doctors can provide additional nutrition advice for people with cancer.

Additionally, it is important to report any side effects of treatment to a doctor. While diet and lifestyle changes can help manage cancer symptoms, they are not a replacement for doctor-prescribed therapies.

Summary

Consuming fruits high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber can benefit people undergoing cancer treatment.

Nutrient-dense foods may help manage chemotherapy side effects such as fatigue and support the body in fighting cancer.

People with cancer may have weakened immune systems and should take proper food safety precautions before consuming raw foods, such as fruit.