Blueberries and Grapes May Help Prevent Cancer

Certain fruits are already known to be powerful antioxidants aiding in the body's fight against cancer. Grapes are being added to the list of cancer fighting fruits. So are blueberries. The chemicals in grape seeds might help prevent skin cancer and colon cancer, while blueberries may also aid in preventing colon cancer.

The results of an animal study were reported at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society Sunday. The report announced the possible power of grape seeds preventing skin cancer.

Hairless mice were exposed to ultraviolet light, and some were fed a diet supplemented with grape seed extract. Other mice were fed a diet that did not contain any grape seeds. The mice who did receive grape seed extract in their diet had 65 fewer tumors than control mice. Those that did have tumors had smaller tumors than the control group as well.

The chemicals in grapes, commonly known as GSPs, apparently counteract the suppression of the body's immune system, which can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet light.

An animal study was also done to reveal the cancer-fighting properties of blueberries. Pterostilbene , the antioxidant abundant in blueberries, was discovered to have an effect against cancer. Colon cancer was induced in 18 rats, which were then fed a diet. The control group received a diet without pterostilbene, while the other group received this chemical in their diet.

Rats that received the blueberry derived supplement had 57% less precancerous growths than the control group. The supplement also inhibited inflammation and cell growth in the colon; both are considered colon cancer risks.

Blueberries may also help lower cholesterol levels, an effect of a high-fat diet. The chemical in blueberries is also present in grapes, but it is more abundant in blueberries.

More than 1 million new cases of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers occur each year in America alone. Regular use of sunscreen and dermatologist visits can aid in prevention and/or early detection.

The second leading cause of cancer deaths in America is colon cancer. It is also the third most common cancer. Colorectal cancer screening is an effective tool for the early detection or prevention of colon cancer. This test will let your health care provider know if you have any polyps so they can be removed. Some polyps may develop into colon cancer, some may not.

Researchers involved in both studies believe grapes and blueberries to be an important part of a balanced diet. Their antioxidant properties go beyond simply cleansing your system.

Sources:

Yahoo

Reuters

http://www.cancer.gov/