We’ve been hearing a lot about things like polyphenols, catechins and flavonols. These substances are found in many fruits, vegetables and things like tea and cocoa. While it may be difficult to keep them straight, or even pronounce them, it is important to know they can have a positive impact on your health.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology explains the potential roll of flavonols and pancreatic cancer. This study was done to evaluate the role of flavonols as a risk factor for cancer. They were specifically looking at the flavonol compounds found in plants.

They found that regularly eating foods high in flavonols may reduce your risk for contracting pancreatic cancer by as much as 20%. That’s good news considering this type of cancer is difficult to detect and treat. Even if it’s found early it is difficult to treat because it spreads so quickly. Unfortunately symptoms of pancreatic cancer often don’t occur until the disease is advanced. So anything you can do to reduce your risk is best.

Flavonols can be found in food like apples, onions, berries, tea broccoli, kale and the white outer skin on a pealed orange. Probably the best known flavonol is quercetin. It’s popular enough that you can find it in supplement form.

Proponents of quercetain often recommend a quercetin bromelain supplement as these two work well together. Quercetin works as a powerful antioxidant reducing the damage that can be caused by free radicals while the bromelain helps your body utilize and absorb the quercetin. The side effects of quercetin are quite low making it desirable as a natural treatment as well.

Not only will flavonols help reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer but they may help to reduce cancer risk in general. They help your body reduce free radicals and prevent cancer cells from growing. It seems we’re finding more evidence to back that famous old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”.