Strawberry Anti-Cancer

The fragrantly sweet juiciness and deep red color of strawberries can brighten up both the taste and aesthetics of any meal. There are more than 600 varieties of strawberries that differ in flavor, size and texture.

Strawberries are very high in quercetin–one of the flavonoids which is important in heart health. Quercetin has also been studied for its potential cancer-fighting abilities. Strawberries and other berries contain high levels of the phytochemicals that are believed to be responsible for the protective effects of diets high in fruits and vegetables against chronic illnesses such as cancer, inflammation, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases.

Picture By : Vida Naji

UCLA Center for Human Nutrition tested extracts of six berries — strawberries, raspberries, black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries to determine their ability to induce apoptosis, a process that enhances the death of cancer cells.

In one phase of the study, all of the berry extracts exhibited anti-proliferative effects and did so in a dose-dependent manner. The strongest strawberry effects were seen against two types of oral cancer cells and one type of colon cancer cells. A second phase of the experiment measured their ability to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) against a cyclooxygenase (COX)-II expressing enzyme colon cancer cell. The results showed that the berries were potent inducers of apoptosis in the human colon cancer cells.

Researchers credit the anthocyanins in the strawberry samples for suppressing proliferation of colon, prostate, and oral cancer cell cultures. Anthocyanins are the antioxidant compounds which lend vivid vermillion and violet hues to berries, grapes and even red cabbage. Anthocyanins are believed responsible for the heart and brain-health benefits of red wine and blueberries respectively.

Furthermore, strawberries are known as excellent sources of vitamin C which can lower risk of developingpolyarthritis, an inflammation of the joints. Vitamin C works as antioxidant which attract and neutralize highly reactive molecules called free radicals that could otherwise damage body cells in ways that initiate cancer development, heart disease and age-related eye damage.

Vitamin C can prevent the decline of motor and cognitive skills related to Alzheimer’s disease, lower the occurrence of gout, stabilize blood glucose, protect against muscular degeneration, improve wound healing, reduce wrinkles, alleviate varicose veins, strengthen the gums, and melt gallstones.

Strawberry contained ellagic acid which is found also in raspberries and pomegranates. Extracts from red raspberry leaves or seeds, pomegranates, or other sources are said to contain high levels of ellagic acid and are available as dietary supplements in capsule, powder, or liquid form. The best dose of these preparations is not known.

Ellagic acid seems to have some anti-cancer properties. It can act as an anti-oxidant, and has been found to cause cell death in cancer cells in the laboratory. In other laboratory studies, ellagic acid seems to reduce the effect of estrogen in promoting growth of breast cancer cells in tissue cultures. There are also reports that it may help the liver to break down or remove some cancer-causing substances from the blood.

A Quick Serving Ideas

1. Add sliced strawberries to mixed green salad.

2. Layer sliced strawberries, whole blueberries and plain yogurt in a wine glass to make a parfait dessert.

3. Mix chopped strawberries with cinnamon, lemon juice and maple syrup and serve as a topping for waffles and pancakes.

4. Blend strawberries with a little bit of orange juice and use as a refreshing coulis sauce that goes well with poached pears.

5. Add strawberries to breakfast shakes to give them a more vibrant taste and texture.

One cup of strawberries has 46 calories, three grams of fiber and 85 milligrams of vitamin C. However, strawberries have a very low shelf life. It can only stay fresh for a day, but if refrigerated, it can stay fresh for about 3 to 4 day.