(This is part of an ongoing series called Foods YOU Need!)

Aren’t you happy to see something yummy on this list of Foods YOU Need? Finally we have something to eat that we are more likely to eat for enjoyment rather than health!

Although there have been no large-scale studies on the anti-cancer effects of berries, researchers do know a lot about the phytochemical compounds found in berries and their effects on cancer.

Strawberries contains ellagic acid, a polyphenol (type of antioxidant) likely to interfere with the development of cancer. The ellagic acid is stored in the pulp (or yummy) part of the berry so it is more easily assimilated. The anti-cancer impact of strawberries have been tested in a lab and applied to human cancer cells. The berry’s extract has been shown to reverse the growth of tumor cells. This has been directly linked to the large amount of polyphenols present.

There is also research showing that the ellagic acid also interferes with the development of cancer cells by “preventing the activation of carcinogenic (cancer causing) substances into cellular toxins, which lose their ability to react with DNA and induce mutation (of cells) capable of triggering cancer.” (taken from Foods to Fight Cancer)

The most significant healing potential comes with its ability to inhibit proteins that encourage tumor blood vessel growth, or angiogenesis. You can read and watch more about this HERE.

Another kind of polyphenol found in berries are the anthocyanidins. Because of the high anthocyanidin content in blueberries and raspberries, they rank amongst the highest in antioxidant content of all fruits and vegetables. They have also been shown in lab tests, when applied to isolated cancer cells, to encourage cell apoptosis (suicide) and show similar antiangiogenic behavior to prevent tumorous blood vessel growth.

Enjoy this berry smoothie recipe and think of all the miraculous effects berries can have on your body!

Berry Banana Smoothie

1 banana

1/2c blueberries

1/2c strawberries

2-3 leaves swiss chard (include stems)

3 ice cubes

¾ – 1 c almond milk

½  Tbsp honey (optional)