(NaturalNews) Black raspberries have taken center stage in the last decade as a cure or deceleration of one of the deadliest and sixth most common cancers - oral cancer. Research in the last seven years reveals the remarkable effects of black raspberries. They surpass strawberries and blueberries by possessing chemical and antioxidant qualities as anti-tumor agents. They contain ellagic acid, a polyphenol with strong antioxidant activity. In addition, drying the berries into a powder concentrates the ellagic acid and, when used as five-ten percent of the diet, this powder restricts the initiation and progression of oral cancer.
Oral cancer refers to malignancies of the oral and nasal cavities, tongue, throat, and larynx. The malignancy or its treatment often affects the neck and face, not only altering the facial appearance, but also interfering with such vital functions as breathing, speech, and swallowing. Oral cancer in the U.S. strikes men 50-75 years of age who have a history of chronic acid reflux, tobacco and alcohol use. Presently, it is also increasingly occurring in women. Rats injected with cancer-causing agents and then fed a berry-rich diet had 80 percent fewer malignant tumors compared to rats on a berry-free diet. In 2002, a hamster model of oral cancer disclosed that dietary black raspberries could suppress tumor development in the oral cavity.
Moreover, if research continues to be as positive as it is currently, the black raspberry could play a major role in the eradication of not only oral cancer, but colon and skin cancer as well. Berries, in addition to a healthful regimen of colorful fruits, vegetables, and nuts, such as cranberries, red peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, nectarines, avocados, spinach, red grapes, almonds, and pecans, are the latest approach to the cancer fight. This intensified treatment program of natural compounds is being universally recognized to reduce the cancer risk. Dr. Gary Stoner, lead researcher at Ohio State University, advocates this regimen.
Pioneering discoveries have occurred in the cultivation of black raspberries at the Hollings Cancer center Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Kentucky. However, the most extensive, complete and major accomplishments continue to occur at the Ohio State University. Progress is slow, but the series of laboratory and animal studies will help the progress toward the suppression of oral cancer development.
www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagementwww.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=2197www.healthyberri.com/?cat=1www.cancer.osu.edu/research/Pages/index.aspxwww.cancer.osu.eduFrontiers
Quarterly Publication of the OSUCCC
Autumn 2008 Pages 12-21
About the author
Alice E. Marson is a natural health published author and researcher. She is a retired teacher and writes for Mature Living and ActiveAmericans.com mainly on health topics.
As a breast cancer survivor she is a strong believer in natural and alternative medicine and avoiding prescription drugs.
Alice has given public and TV presentations on toxic products in the home.
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