Eat them by the handful!
Berries Contain cancer-fighting compounds
Berries, especially blueberries, bilberries (a relative of the American blueberry), and strawberries, are not only good-tasting but are wonderful sources of natural phytochemicals.
Blueberries contain blue pigments called anthocyanin, which in test tube studies have been shown to be potent antioxidants. In one study conducted at the USDA, rats fed a few blueberries daily showed fewer signs of mental or physical aging than those that did not eat blueberries. Although the researchers were not sure why blueberries appeared to slow down aging, it could be caused by the antioxidant content. Blueberries, like apples, are also an excellent source of pectin, which can lower blood cholesterol levels.
....Eating strawberries may protect you from cancer. Strawberries contain a polyphenolic compound called ellagic acid, a natural antioxidant that may block the destructive effects of free radicals. Other fruits such as grapes and cherries contain ellagic acid (and so do walnuts). In an intriguing Japanese study, one group of laboratory rats were fed a variety of polyphenolic compounds, while another group was given only ellagic acid. Both groups of rats were then exposed to a potent carcinogen that can induce tongue cancer. The rats given a variety of polyphenolic compounds had a much lower rate of cancer than control rats not given polyphenols. However, quite remarkably, none of the rats fed ellagic acid went on to develop cancer. Not only rats, but humans may be protected from cancer by strawberries.
In a famous study that I describe in greater detail when I discuss tomatoes, Harvard Medical School researchers reported that four foods appeared to be protective against prostate cancer. Since three of the four foods were tomato based (such as pizza and tomato sauce), both the researchers and the press completely ignored the fourth, non-tomato based food. The finding that was not widely reported was that men who ate the most strawberries were at the lowest risk of developing prostate cancer.
....Studies such as these suggest that berries may be a powerful disease fighting food. It's important to note, however, that berries contain many different substances, such as fiber, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which have also been proven to be protective against cancer and other diseases related to aging. In addition, berries may contain other compounds that have yet to be discovered. Eat them by the handful!
From: The antioxidant miracle. Lester Packer & Carol Colman. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1999. pp169-170. ISBN 0 471 29768 2
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