Ellagic acid is a powerful plant antioxidant found in raspberries. In the plants, this biochemical helps to regulate growth and seed germination, protects them from microbial infections and heavy metal poisoning and prevents insects from eating them. However, more and more research is pointing to ellagic acid in these tasty fruits as a potent, natural weapon against cancer in humans.

How Does Ellagic Acid Fight Cancer?

According to research by Gary Stoner, PhD, director of the cancer chemoprevention and etiology lab at Ohio State University, ellagic acid stimulates activities of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens. Plus, ellagic acid is anti-mutagenic, antibacterial and anti-viral as well as anti-carcinogenic!

Ellagic acid:

* Acts as a scavenger that "binds" to cancer-causing chemicals and inactivates them

* Inhibits the ability of chemicals to cause dangerous mutations in bacteria

* Prevents cancer-causing substances from binding to DNA

* Reduces cancer in cultured human cells that have been exposed to carcinogens

* Promotes apoptosis, or cell death, of cancer cells without harming healthy cells, a process that may be beneficial in fighting prostate, breast, lung, esophageal and skin cancers

And, previous animal tests conducted by Stoner showed that eating large amounts of raspberries could fight esophageal and colon cancers.

"We do believe that [raspberries] protect the esophagus and the colon because they are absorbed by these organs as the food moves through the digestive tract," Stoner said. "Black raspberries are loaded with nutrients and [plant chemicals] that may prevent the development of cancer."

Research at the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has also found powerful cancer-fighting potential from ellagic acid. According to their studies, ellagic acid slows the growth of abnormal colon cells in humans and prevents cells infected with human papilloma virus (HPV), which is linked to cervical cancer, from developing.

Ellagic acid is not just good for fighting cancer. Studies have found that it may also fight heart disease, reduce the risk of birth defects and speed wound healing. Ellagic acid also:

* Fights the H. pylori bacteria that's linked to stomach ulcers

* Protects the liver and liver function

* Helps to reduce glucose levels, which can help keep diabetes under control

Furthermore, just-released research from the University of South Florida College of Medicine, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that eating certain antioxidant-rich foods like raspberries may also limit the damage done by strokes and other neurological disorders.

Where is Ellagic Acid Found?

Raspberries are by far the richest source of ellagic acid known by researchers to date. However, it appears that strawberries, pomegranates, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, pecans and walnuts may also contain some, although in smaller amounts.

Since it's not always possible to eat raspberries every day, if you want to add more of the powerful ellagic acid to your daily diet, Fruits of Life: Potent Cellular Protection is an exceptional and highly recommended choice (and it tastes good, too!)

Fruits of Life is the first and only nutritional supplement to combine ellagic acid with the three other top antioxidant foods in a single whole food powder blend . S

So whether you add a handful of raspberries to your morning yogurt, snack on them throughout the day or prefer to fortify your diet with the great-tasting Fruits of Life, adding more of the powerful ellagic acid antioxidant to your day appears to be a smart move for your future.

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Sources

American Cancer Society

Ellagic Acid Information

Ellagic Acid and Cervical Cancer

Health Orbit April 12, 2005