The Anti-Cancer Fighters of Berries (May 2007)

One of the main families of phytochemicals in berries is phenols. As we age, our system becomes less reactive to deal with reactive molecules called free radicals. They cause oxidative stress. Berries have large amounts of plant compounds called phenols and good antioxidant properties.

Phenols fight cancer on several levels. Last November, California scientists founds that extract from cranberries, blackberries, black raspberries, blueberries, red raspberries, and strawberries inhibited growth and stimulated death of human oral, prostate and colon cancer cells in test tube studies. It is recommended to consume three to four half cup servings of berries per week of berries which may boost your diet protective ability.