Eat Berries to Beat Cancer

Berries are bursting with compounds that could help thwart cancer at its earliest stages, a recent study from Cancer Research finds. In tests on rats, scientists found that a diet rich in black rasberries restored more than 20 percent of carcinogen-damaged genes to normal activity.

Berries of all types offer antioxidants, minerals, and a unique blend of phytochemicals that seem to boost the production of enzymes that knock out carcinogens, says Karen Collins, R.D., nutrition advisor to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Since the frozen and freeze-dried fruit still packs an anticancer punch, Collins suggests choosing them when fresh berries aren't available.

For optimal cancer protection, it's important to broaden your approach beyond berries, adds Collins. "Berries do provide some pieces of the cancer prevention puzzle, but you're going to need other foods that deliver different compounds," she says. Aim for a broad variety of cancer fighting foods every day, including dark-green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, legumes, and whole grains.