Blueberries are small fruits, but with great health properties. It is a fruit known for its antioxidant and antibacterial power, which are responsible for most of its benefits.
The antioxidants in blueberries also help to reduce the chance of developing cancer, such as breast, colon, esophageal and bowel cancer. Fruits rich in flavonoids and diets that are in high consumption of these fruits have the ability to limit the development and severity of certain cancers and vascular diseases. Phytochemicals in berries (and other fruits), especially blueberries (such as flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavonols and proanthcyanidins), can decrease inflammation, neutralize oxidative stress, and modulate interactions and gene expression in the body associated with the process of disease. Among the variety of studies showing the effects of blueberry polyphenols and their ability to fight cancer, one study in particular caught my eye.
This study was conducted at the Human Nutrition Center at the University of California. Researchers found that blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry (all extremely rich in antioxidants) inhibited the growth and stimulated apoptosis (cell death) of human cancer cells.
Cancer cells normally proliferate at an incredibly rapid rate (depending on the type of cancer), however, these extracts were sufficient to increase the inhibition of cell proliferation of all the cancer cell lines used (breast, oral, colon and prostate tumor cell lines)! which means that the polyphenols in fruits are strong enough to fight and kill cancer cells.
