Strawberries May Prevent Esophageal Cancer

Researchers at Ohio State University recently found that strawberries may help prevent esophageal cancer. Their findings were presented the week of April 11, 2011 at the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting.

The researchers recruited 36 people with mild to moderate dysplasia in the esophagus to participate in the study. The participants had an average age of 55.

The participants consumed 30 grams of freeze dried strawberries dissolved in water twice daily for 6 months. The freeze dried drink was approximately 10 times more potent than regular strawberries according to the researchers.

The researchers found that 29 out of the 36 participants saw a decrease in precancerous cells or a slowing in the growth of cancerous cells during the study.

They said larger studies are now needed to confirm their initial findings. Further studies will hopefully confirm these results and help fight esophageal cancer which is currently the 6th deadliest cancer in the world.

Although this study did not look into the mechanisms behind their results, the researchers noted that the benefits associated with strawberries are often linked to the vitamins, minerals and beneficial phytochemicals found in strawberries and other berries. These compounds have been shown to aid in weight management, reduce cholesterol and possibly prevent some cancers.