Blueberries are enjoyed around the world and are widely available fresh or frozen. The sweet, juicy berry is often referred to as a superfood and is full of antioxidants. [1] These antioxidants make blueberries a healthy snack, as well as a nutritious addition to a balanced diet that may help support cancer prevention.
The cancer-fighting agents found in blueberries include anthocyanosides and resveratrol. Anthocyanosides are one of the most potent antioxidants and have been found to have a number of anticancer properties, including radical scavenging activity, stimulation of phase II detoxifying enzymes, and reduced cell proliferation and inflammation. [2] Resveratrol, which is also found in the skin of red grapes, also has a number of health benefits. [3] Along with promoting cardiovascular health, resveratrol is able to inhibit all carcinogenesis stages. This powerful antioxidant not only acts as a chemopreventive agent, but also displays chemotherapeutic properties such as anti-inflammation.
Due to these superfood properties, researchers have studied the effects of blueberry extract in radiation treatment. [4] Many have concluded that this addition to radiation treatment can significantly improve the treatment’s efficacy. The blueberry extract helps sensitize cancer cells to the radiation. Continuing from the momentum of this finding, the antioxidants in blueberries were also found to reduce the abnormal cell growth that fuels cancer development. [5]
As with all important findings, further research is required to expand our understanding of blueberries’ anticancer properties. Additional research will help researchers and medical professionals better understand how compounds found in blueberries may be used in the areas of cancer treatment and cancer prevention. In the meantime, there is no better time than the present to enjoy blueberries as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Looking for a new way to enjoy blueberries? Try these healthy blueberry-lavender yogurt pops! These refreshing ice pops are easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day.
Blueberry-Lavender Yogurt Pops
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Serves: 10 ice pops
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons honey
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender or 3 fresh lavender sprigs (optional)
- 2 (about 5 cm each) lemon rind strips
- 2 1/4 cups whole-milk plain yogurt (not Greek-style)
Steps
- Add the blueberries and sugar to a small saucepan over medium heat. As the berries cook, stir occasionally and break up the berries by pressing against them. Continue cooking until the juices are fully released, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely.
- While the berries cook, place the honey, 1/3 cup water, lavender, and lemon rind in a small saucepan. Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Cool completely.
- Stir together the lavender syrup and yogurt in a bowl. Spoon the yogurt mixture and blueberry mixture alternately into 10 (3-ounce) ice-pop molds, beginning and ending with the yogurt mixture. Swirl gently.
- Freeze until solid, about 4 hours or overnight. Enjoy! [6]
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Source:
[1] https://www.driscolls.com/article/fight-cancer-with-antioxidant-bursting-berries
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2582525/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6164842/
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320517
[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5187535/
[6] https://www.nfcr.org/blog/national-blueberry-month-health-benefits-and-cancer-prevention/
