Can a Berry a Day Keep Cancer Away?

(NewsUSA) - You might already know that shopping in the produce aisle at the supermarket can help ward off pesky inconveniences like the common cold, but eating certain fruits, either fresh or frozen, may also play a large role in helping to fight and protect against serious illnesses such as lung and breast cancer, according to two new studies.

Conducted by scientists from Norway and the United States, a recently released study tested 1,130 commonly eaten foods for antioxidant levels using the FRAP Assay -; one of the major tests for antioxidant values currently available. They discovered that, of the top 10 foods tested based on serving size, blackberries contained the highest levels of health-related antioxidants, which help protect against cancer and heart disease. In a second study, lung, skin, breast and cervical cancers all showed signs of shrinkage when exposed to blackberry extracts. The compound is so potent against disease that scientists have begun further analysis on the blackberry.

The news should only provide additional encouragement for those looking for ways to better their lifestyle by eating healthier foods.

"Everyone should be eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and one of those helpings should be berries," said Dr. Gary Stoner, an expert in cancer prevention and control at Ohio State University. "When you put all of the new research together, you realize that berries are one of the most protective foods around."

Oregon blackberries, grown in the fertile Willamette Valley on family farms, are nutritional powerhouses that contain several extremely important phytochemicals -; naturally occurring chemicals from plants -; which research has shown may slow down the aging process, boost immunity and protect against chronic disease. Additionally, tests have shown that Oregon blackberries, frozen at their nutritional peak, lose none of their important antioxidant values in the freezing process. Fresh or frozen, blackberries are an important part of a healthy diet.

For more information, visit www.oregon-berries.com.

"Article By: NewsUSA"