Does Citrus Increase Melanoma?

I could write about COVID-19 every week, but health is more than dealing with a viral pandemic, and it’s important we don’t neglect other aspects of our health while we try to keep ourselves safe. When the news and developments warrant, I’ll do an audio update so you can download it just like the free COVID-19 Bottom Line. But whenever we get to the new normal, we’ll still have some of the same health challenges; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer aren’t going away just because we have to self-isolate for a while.

A reader asked about a news article that showed eating and drinking citrus, specifically grapefruit, could increase the risk of getting melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. A 2015 study based on the Healthcare Professionals Study and the Nurses Health Study showed a 36% increased risk of melanoma over 24 years when comparing those who consumed the most citrus with those who consumed very little. In doing the background research on the study, there were two other studies that demonstrated similar results.

Should we skip the glass of orange juice every day? What’s in citrus that could be a factor? I’ll answer those questions the rest of the week.

What are you prepared to do today?