Just Discovered: A Natural Solution To Reduce Esophageal Cancer Risk

Good things come in small packages. And when it relates to preventing a devastating cancer, this popular saying rings especially true. A recent study conducted by Ohio State University professor Dr. Tong Chen has unlocked yet one more benefit of strawberries: they may be a valuable weapon to combat esophageal cancer.

This comes as no surprise to those who believe in the power of natural antioxidants. But findings that overshadow drugs, more than likely will ruffle the feathers of mainstream medicine. Because in view of their failing efforts against this deadly disease, it turns out that a fruit can beat synthetic drugs. Indeed, strawberries – and not drugs – may very well be the best way to…

Help Prevent Esophageal Tumors

Results were just presented at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). They show that eating strawberries helped prevent early esophageal lesions from developing into tumors. In Tong’s own words, “preliminary data suggests that strawberries can decrease histological grade of precancerous lesions and reduce cancer-related molecular events.”

These are great news, especially if you suffer from GERD or Barrett’s Esophagus, which you may have developed from bisphosphonates, the most commonly prescribed osteoporosis drugs. As I wrote in a previous blog post titled “New Year Off To A Bad Start For Osteoporosis Drugs”, osteoporosis medicines such as Fosamax and its generic alendronate, Boniva, Actonel, and Didronel may be linked to esophageal cancer. In a letter published by the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Wysowski of the FDA writes that these drugs can cause an inflammatory condition known as esophagitis.

All Gain, No Pain

In addition to this newly discovered benefit, strawberries are also an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). In fact, ounce for ounce, they have more Vitamin C than oranges. If you have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you certainly noticed that strawberries are listed as a Power Food. Besides its antioxidant role, Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production that helps maintain healthy bones and joints.

And polyphenols – potent antioxidants also present in strawberries – increase the production of osteoblasts, which are cells that deposit new bone. In the Osteoporosis Reversal Program I give detailed information on plant polyphenols and their proven role in bone health.

Another important nutrient amply found in strawberries is the mineral manganese, catalogued as a Foundation Supplement in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program. As it relates to bone health, manganese is necessary for the synthesis of connective tissue in cartilage and bone, and is involved in protein synthesis.

And here’s a list of other valuable nutrients present in strawberries, albeit in much lesser quantity than the ones I’ve already mentioned. All of them, by the way, are Foundation Supplements that nourish your bones:

• Vitamins B2, B5, B6, and B9
• Vitamin K
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Believe it or not, that’s not all. In fact, these tiny gems can do even more. So here’s…

One More Secret About Strawberries

Move over, ibuprofen, aspirin, and the rest of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)! The phenols in this stubbornly healthy fruit reduce the activity of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase (COX), which is exactly how NSAIDs block pain caused by inflammation. But of course, unlike these drugs that send thousands to the ER, strawberries don’t cause stomach or intestinal bleeding.

So now that you know how valuable these berries are, let’s explore how you can get the most out of them.

Practical Buying and Storing Tips

• Avoid the giant variety; medium-sized berries are the tastiest.
• Check package thoroughly to make sure there is no mold.
• Try to get them organically grown or you may want to grow your own. Pesticide residues have been often found in strawberries.
• To wash, run some cold water on them and pat dry; then remove caps and stems.
• Wash just before eating, or you can cut them and use in fruit salad. They retain nutritional value.
• Keep refrigerated at all times.
• You can freeze strawberries for up to one year, preferably whole, because they retain more Vitamin C. Wash and remove caps and stems, sprinkle with lemon juice, and place on flat pan in freezer. Remove when frozen and transfer berries to a heavy plastic bag. Place back in freezer.

Great Taste and Good Looks Too!

You’ll probably agree with me: strawberries are one heck of a good looking fruit, and delicious too. With their quirky shape and texture and their bright ruby-red color, they can make any dish look attractive and festive.

So here’s one of my favorite bone-healthy alkalizing strawberry recipe:

Beauty and the Feast Salad

4 Servings

Ingredients

1½ pounds mixed salad greens or lettuce
1/2 pound turkey or chicken breast, cubed
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
4 green onions (scallions), chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
2 cups strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup almonds, sliced or chopped

Directions

Toss all ingredients in large bowl and sprinkle with olive oil and lemon juice to taste, or use your favorite salad dressing.

And don’t forget to add lots of Vitamin L, for “love”!