New Study Finds Black Raspberries May Prevent Cancer Risk

18/02/08 It usually starts as reflux, but for 700 thousand Americans, it turns into something called Barrett's Esophagus.* Now the black raspberry may be one of the weapons Barrett's Esophagus patients have to stay strong and prevent the condition from turning into a deadly cancer.

For more than 10 years, Danny Harris has struggled with heartburn after he eats. He learned his reflux has turned into something more serious - a condition called Barrett's Esophagus. He also learned an interesting thing happened when he ate black raspberries.

"I really didn't have any flare-ups or episodes after I had taken the berries," says Harris.

Danny was part of a new study, led by a research team at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center. For six months he and other Barrett's Esophagus patients drank a black raspberry powder and water mix. Turns out, the fruit helped many patients reverse the negative impact of the reflux acid. Nearly 4 in 10 saw a boost in a protective enzyme and 6 in 10 saw a decline in oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage.

"If we can feed something in the diet that may help us protect against these injurious agents, then that may potentially impact progression of this disease," says Laura Kresty, PhD at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

That's important because 1 in 10 people with Barrett's Esophagus develops a deadly cancer of the esophagus. Researchers believe the fruit's combination of nutrients gives it super healing power.

"They're really strong antioxidants. They're also a good source of multi-vitamins and minerals," says Kresty.

A larger study is likely the next step to see if black raspberries yield more positive results for patients with Barrett's Esophagus.