Tiny Fruit Turns “Off” Cancer Switch
Next time you’re in the supermarket, I want you to think about this:
The foods you put in your cart have the power to either cause cancer… or preventit.
There are lots of processed, sugar-loading foods that are practically rocket fuel for tumors and cancer cells.
But, believe it or not, there’s one tiny fruit that can stop cancer from ever forming in the first place.
In fact, it may shut your body’s cancer genes “off” completely.
This cancer-fighting fruit is one of the tastiest out there:berries.
All kinds of berries contain compounds called flavonoids that give berries their deep, rich color.
According to this latest study published in Scientific Reports, flavonoids work in multiple ways to fight cancer at the cellular level.
The researchers specifically evaluated the impact of flavonoids on an enzyme called sirtuin 6 (SIRT6).
Sirtuin enzymes play an important role in cancer prevention because they help regulate genes that control cells. SIRT6 in particular is known to play an important role in metabolism, DNA repair, and reduced inflammation.
This study showed that a specific flavonoid in berries called cyanidinincreased the amount of this important anti-cancer enzyme in colorectal cancer cells.
It also showed that it “turned on” genes that suppress tumors and “turned off” ones that promote them.
Actions like these get to the heart of cancer prevention because they help your body do what it was natural designed to: regulate healthy and unhealthy cells.
The specific cyanidin compound is found in berries like bilberry, blackcurrant, lingonberry.
Other studies over the years have shown the benefits of berries for conditions as varied as cognitive function, mood, Alzheimer’s disease, weight loss, and erectile dysfunction.
Berries are also known to be loaded with antioxidants, which are well-known for their ability to fight free radicals. They are like Pac-Men that gobble up the free-radical “dots” that stand between you and good health.
Since free radicals are known to be associated with everything from cancer and heart disease, to arthritis and stroke, consuming antioxidant-loaded foods represents a major factor in promoting overall good health.
The fact that they come in such a tasty package makes it even easier to load up on these beneficial compounds.
To a brighter day,
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
