New Evidence Show Blueberry Is a Powerful Anticancer Food

Several mini studies have revealed that regular intake of blueberry, juice or extract, would slow
the growth of cancer cells certain organs such as the breasts, stomach, prostate, and bowel.
Numerous studies have shown that at least one third of cancers would be linked to the kinds of
food that we habitually eat. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, our diet
plays an important role in developing certain cancers. Data even show that a diet rich in fruits
and vegetables divides the risk in half; thats more effective than any conventional prevention
method.
You may ask why blueberry is among the top anticancer foods. Many plants contain molecules
that can not only prevent the development of cancerous cells but also slow their progression in
individuals who already have the disease. Among twenty fruit, blueberry is ranked first for its
powerful antioxidant capacity. Closely follow cranberry, blackberry, raspberry and strawberry.
Although research on the anticancer properties of blueberry is in its infancy, some scientific
studies suggest that anthocyanidins (pigments found in certain plant which have amazing health
benefits) contained in blueberries also have an important anti-cancer potential which patients and
healthy people can greatly benefit from. The anticancer potential of the berries is also explained
by its anti-inflammatory action.
Anthocyanidins, as well as other molecules present in blueberry, would slow the progression of
cancer by blocking the development of blood vessels feeding the malignant cells. This
antiangiogenic process deprives cancer cells of their supply of oxygen and nutrient molecules
needed to reproduce, which makes it a powerful anticancer food.
Blueberries are amongst the most commonly consumed berries not only in the United States but
also in many other parts of the world. They are rich in phenolic compounds, thus high in
antioxidants. According to a review published by the Department of Nutrition, Food and
Exercise Sciences, from The Florida State University, on Pubmed, evidence from in vitro, in
vivo and a few clinical studies suggest that blueberries and their active constituents show
promise as effective anti-cancer agents, both in the form of functional foods and as nutritional
supplements.
Although more studies are needed, this mini study shows the carcinogenesis of blueberries works
by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, which is the genesis of the
formation of all malignant tumors. The berries also help stop oxidative stress, DNA damage, and
cancer cell proliferation, while at the same time increase the natural programmed cell death
(apoptosis) which cancerous cells defect. When consider defective apoptosis is the backbone of
the occurrence and proliferation of malignant tumors, the work of blueberries in re-establishing it
should be greatly considered.

Another study was conducted by the Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of

Medicine of the University of Porto, Portugal, to investigate the anticancer properties of an
anthocyanin-pyruvic acid adduct extract from blueberry in fighting certain types of cancer such
as breast cancer. At the end, the scientists conclude the following:
An anthocyanin extract from blueberry (extract I) and an anthocyanin-pyruvic acid adduct
extract (extract II) were tested on two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7).
Proliferation was assessed by SRB assay and H-thymidine incorporation. Caspase-3 activity was
determined in the presence of both extracts. In both cell lines, extracts I and II significantly
reduced cell proliferation at 250g/mL, after 24h of cell incubation. Caspase-3 activity was not
altered by the extracts (250g/mL) in either cell line, with the exception of extract II in MCF-7,
which increased its activity... Both extracts (250g/mL) demonstrated significant antiinvasive
potential in both cell lines.
In other studies it is observed in laboratory that regular consumption of fresh blueberry juice,
raspberry and cranberry would slow the growth of human cancer cells mainly in the stomach,
prostate, and colon (bowel). Leukemic cells also reduced.
It is clear eating blueberries regularly may not only helps prevent formation of cancer in healthy
individuals but also stop or reduce the proliferation of the cancerous cells patients who are
already struggling with the condition.

References:
Evidence for anti-cancer properties of blueberries: a mini-review - PMID: 23387969 [PubMed indexed for MEDLINE]
pbrc.edu/training-and-education/pdf/pns/PNS Blueberries .pdf
Blueberries | American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
Anthocyanins and pyruvic acid adducts of Blueberry: anticancer properties in breast cancer cell
lines: Faria A, Pestana D, Teixeira D, de Freitas V, Mateus N, Calhau C. - PMID: 20564502
[PubMed - indexed for MED LINE]
http://www.cancereffects.com/Anticancer-Properties-of-Blueberries.html