Blueberries are one of the darlings of the superfood world. After all, they’re rich in antioxidants and offer many health benefits. A study also found that blueberries possess potent anti-cancer properties!

The study was published in the journal Pathology and Oncology Research and was conducted by Dr. Yujiang Fang from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his fellow researchers.

Blueberries and cancer cells

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that at least 12,820 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in America in 2018. More than 4,200 women are expected to die from the condition.

Radiation therapy, the primary treatment for cervical cancer, involves the use of high-energy radiation to eliminate cancer cells. Although radiation is the main treatment option for certain cancers, particularly late-stage cervical cancer, this therapy also causes damage to healthy cells.

In a previous study, Fang and his team discovered that resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and red wine, can act as a radiosensitizer — that is, a compound that can sensitize prostate cancer cells to radiation therapy. They wanted to know if blueberry extract is also a suitable radiosensitizer.

For the current study, the researchers isolated resveratrol from blueberries. The fruits also contained flavonoids, chemicals with antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The researchers tested the blueberry extract on human cancer cell lines twice, alone and in combination with radiation therapy. They then compared the effects with those of radiation therapy alone.

The results showed that:

• Radiation therapy alone reduced cancer cells by 20%.
• Blueberry extract alone resulted in a 25% reduction in the number of cancer cells.
• Combining the blueberry extract and radiation therapy significantly reduced the number of human cervical cancer cells by at least 70%.

Fang and his team explained that the blueberry extract doesn’t just make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, it also reduces the abnormal cell growth that fuels cancer development.

Cancer cells avoid death by remodeling themselves. But the blueberry extract is able to reduce cell proliferation and “trick” cancer cells into dying. In short, the extract inhibits cell production and results in cancer cell death.

Fang and his colleagues are hopeful since the findings suggest that blueberries could be used as a promising treatment strategy for cervical cancer and other kinds of cancer.

Unlike other ingredients, blueberries are very common, accessible and inexpensive. Fang concluded that blueberries have potential as a natural treatment option for improving the effectiveness of current cancer therapies.

Aren’t blueberries amazing?

Blueberry pomegranate smoothie recipe

Follow the recipe below to reap the health benefits of this nutrient-rich berry and enjoy a delicious glass of blueberry pomegranate smoothie.

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen blueberries
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1/2 cup non-fat buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Preparation: 

1. Combine the frozen blueberries, pomegranate juice, buttermilk, vanilla and salt in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and serve.

Maintain your overall health by following a balanced diet. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and boost your intake of cancer-fighting antioxidants by treating yourself to a glass of blueberry pomegranate smoothie.

Sources:

MedicalNewsToday.com

MLive.com