A compound in blueberries may be effective in preventing bowel cancer, US scientists say.
A compound in blueberries may be effective in preventing bowel cancer, US scientists say.
The key component pterostilbine is a natural antioxidant and scavenges free radicals that can trigger the development of cancer.
Similar antioxidants have already been identified in grapes and red wine.
According to studies in mice, pterostilbine also lowers blood cholesterol.
Researchers believe that this compound can be extracted from the fruit and placed in medicine.
According to the lead author, their study showed the need to include more raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and especially blueberries in the diet.
The mice in the experiment were given a preparation leading to tumor development. Some of them were subsequently fed pterostilbine. It turned out that these mice had much fewer precancerous conditions in the intestine than the others.
This component in blueberries reduces inflammatory processes and the frequency of cell division in the gut, which are considered risk factors for cancer.
Although experts do not know the exact cause of colon cancer, there is an established link between high calorie intake, saturated fat and disease.
Doctors recommend eating lots of fruits and vegetables on the cancer prevention menu.
Ed Yong of the U.S. Cancer Research Center believes it is not yet clear whether pterostilbin, which reduces the risk of colon cancer in mice, will have the same effect in humans.
It is currently recommended that we eat a balanced and healthy diet, rather than relying on a specific superfood, he added.