Several studies show that people who eat diets high in fruits
and vegetables have lower cancer rates. Now a large body of
research suggests that berries may be among the most potent
cancer-fighting fruits. In numerous laboratory studies,
researchers at Ohio State University have found that black
raspberries inhibit the development of oral, esophageal and
colon cancers in rats. Some human studies have also suggested a
benefit from berry consumption. In one small study of patients
with familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic condition that
raises risk for colon cancer, patients given black raspberry
extract had up to 59 percent fewer rectal polyps than those
taking a placebo; the findings were published in November’s
Cancer Prevention Research journal. Another study showed black
raspberry powder reduced symptoms for patients with Barrett’s
esophagus, a precancerous condition. The main berries being
researched include black and red raspberries, blackberries,
strawberries and elderberries. Although blueberries