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Blueberries may help treat cancer

Posted at 10:26 AM, May 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-01 14:13:49-04

It appears that blueberry extract may help make radiation therapy treatments more effective.

University of Missouri researchers found blueberry extract greatly improved the effectiveness of radiation therapy on cancer cells. They believe it's because of a chemical in blueberries called resveratrol making cancer cells more sensitive to treatment. Study authors say this means less radiation can be used during treatment, which reduces the side effects to healthy cells.

In a previous study, doctors found red grapes and red wine also make cancer cells more receptive to treatment.

Blueberries have the added benefit of reducing the growth of new cancer cells at the same time.

Now, a team of researchers are studying other fruits and vegetables for these properties.