If you’re wise, you consume a good amount of fresh, organic foods, and a wide variety of them. This is especially true of colorful fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices. As it turns out, some of the plant chemicals (also known as phytochemicals) which give plants their vibrant colors also have unique powers to protect our health.
Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and other berries have been found to contain compounds including polyphenols, ellagitannins, anthocyanins and others. The phytochemicals provide vivid colors to the berries, adding an aesthetic touch to any meal which includes them. But the real miracle is the fact that these plant chemicals have powerful anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Studies have shown up to a 70% reduction in incidence of cancers in test animals given daily raspberry supplements. The ability of the berries to neutralize cancer-causing waste products and toxins in the cells is the probable reason.
Strawberries are high in Vitamin C, manganese and ellagic acid which imparts its color to the berries. Ellagic acid has been shown to help prevent cancer of the breast, skin, lung and esophagus. Polyphenols such as quercitin possess tremendous powers as well. Quercitin induces the programmed death of cancer cells, in a process known as apoptosis.
Note that organic berries contain substantially more of the beneficial plant compounds, without the poison herbicides or pesticides. So by all means, eat organic!
Indulge your taste buds while protecting your health this summer… enjoy the berries!