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Recent research has suggested that 35% of cancers are related to the diet; being commonly found in diets high in saturated fats and processed foods.  It is believed that many cancers could be prevented by dietary changes.
There have been many studies done on berry fruits and their potential to limit the development and severity of some cancers:  in particular, studies on the flavonoid-rich (flavonoids act as anti-oxidants and are thought to prevent DNA damage to cells) North American cranberry and blueberry.  The protective effects are believed to come from the variety of phytochemicals (active health-protective compounds that are found as components of plants) that these fruits contain.  These constituents are thought to counteract, reduce and repair damage in the body caused by oxidative stress which can be caused by a poor diet high in processed foods and to decrease inflammation  as well as adjust the expression of genes associated with disease.
 In addition, the active constituents of all berries have protective factors that can neutralise or detoxify carcinogens (cancer causing agents) by 
1.  preventing precancerous changes in cellular genetic material (DNA) due to carcinogens, radiation and other environmental factors
2.  enhancing the formation of protective enzymes and 
3.  reducing the hormonal action in the body that can stimulate tumour growth.
For those of you who smoke, berries – strawberries in particular – can assist the increase of intake of Vitamin C.  Low levels of this vitamin have been associated with an increased risk of those cancers related to smoking.  Smoking can seriously deplete Vitamin C levels in the body and therefore smokers are recommended to increase their intake of high Vitamin C foods, such as strawberries (amongst other fruits and vegetables).  Half a punnet contains around 60mg, well over the recommended daily amount of Vitamin C.
One word of warning though – be sure to wash the fruit, as unwashed fruit (if not organic) may be covered in harmful nitrate, fertilisers and other harmful environmental poisons which can then promote the production of free radicals in the body, leading to cancer.
Always seek medical assistance when dealing with cancer, as although there is research into these preventative foods, these are not specifically  used in the medical treatment of cancer.
See my previous recipes for ideas on ways to consume more berries in your diet, or for something a little more exotic try:

Raspberry, Avocado & Mango Salad  (courtesy of eatingwell.com)
Makes 5 servings (each serve is about 2 cups)
Ingredients:
·       1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, divided
·       1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
·       1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
·       1 small clove garlic, coarsely chopped
·       1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
·       1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
·       8 cups mixed salad greens
·       1 ripe mango, diced
·       1 small ripe avocado, diced
·       1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
·       1/4 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts, or sliced almonds, optional
Method:
1.     Puree 1/2 cup raspberries, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper in a blender until combined.
2.     Combine greens, mango, avocado and onion in a large bowl. Pour the dressing on top and gently toss to coat. Divide the salad among 5 salad plates. Top each with the remaining raspberries and sprinkle with nuts, if using.
Per serving: 215 calories; 16 g fat ( 2 g sat , 12 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates;
 3 g protein;7 g fiber; 122 mg sodium; 564 mg potassium.
Nutrient Profile: Vitamin C (70% daily value), Vitamin A (60% dv), Folate (36% dv), Potassium (16% dv).


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