A new study conducted by Ohio State University researchers has documented the power of black raspberries to prevent the development of tumors in the esophagus and colon. The study's findings were presented at the March 2007 national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
Gary Stoner, Ph.D., a professor of internal medicine at Ohio State University, led the study. Stoner and his co-workers prepared a powdered, freeze-dried extract from black raspberries then gauged its effect on rats that had been exposed to a cancer-causing substance. The
research team measured the prevalence of malignant
tumors. Compared to a control group, the
rats fed black raspberry extract showed a 60 percent reduction in tumors of the
esophagus and up to an 80 percent reduction in
colon tumors.
"That's a much higher reduction than I thought we'd see," Stoner said, "This suggests that
berries bind up a good portion of free radicals, preventing them from causing damage in the body."
Black
raspberries are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and folic acid and contain the minerals selenium, zinc, and calcium. In addition,
black raspberries have a higher content of anthocyanins than most other berry types, as well as phenols, such as ellagic, coumaric and ferulic acid. All of these substances are recognized as "chemopreventive agents," Stoner said.
"We do know from epidemiologic studies that vegetable and
fruit consumption is protective against
cancer and, from our work, we would suggest that berries be one of those helpings, at least two or three times a week," said Stoner.
Clinical trials are underway to examine the potential of black raspberries to prevent esophageal and colon cancer in humans. Stoner and his team have begun analyzing the effects of the fruit in people with Barrett's esophagus (a condition of the esophagus that increases risk of esophageal cancer) and precancerous colon polyps. Preliminary results show the berries are well tolerated at doses similar to those used in animals.
About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health researcher, author and award-winning journalist with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored more than 1,800 articles and dozens of reports, guides and interviews on natural health topics, reaching millions of readers with information that is saving lives and improving personal health around the world. Adams is an honest, independent journalist and accepts no money or commissions on the third-party products he writes about or the companies he promotes. In mid 2010, Adams produced NaturalNews.TV, a natural health video sharing website offering user-generated videos on nutrition, green living, fitness and more. He's also the CEO of a highly successful email newsletter software company that develops software used to send permission email campaigns to subscribers. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and regularly pursues cycling, nature photography, Capoeira and Pilates. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org
Have comments on this article? Post them here:
people have commented on this article.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Email this article to a friend
Share this article on: 
Now Available from 
