Men's Health Women's Health Senior's Health Antioxidants Sports Nutrition Diet & Weight Loss Vitamins & Minerals Herbs Specialty Supplements Targeted Supplements Spa Products Anti-Aging Basics Body Systems Body Structure Book Store Pet Health My Recommendation My Favorite Articles Our Most Popular Specials Bargain Basement Brands Free Samples

MSM

Health News Archive 217 - DNA
<<back to structure/function index

Berries Inhibit Oxidative and DNA Damage

Blackcurrants are small, juicy, dark purple berries that are high in vitamin C and have a slightly bitter taste. Boysenberries are genetically similar to blackcurrants. Both berry types are rich in anthocyanins, potent disease-fighting antioxidants. Fruits high in anthocyanins tend to have deep red or purple hues.

In a recent study, researchers discovered that both blackcurrant and boysenberry extracts helped combat oxidative stress and DNA damage, two processes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and aging. Although the study results are preliminary and need to be confirmed with further research, antioxidant-rich fruits remain a smart food choice. Eat a colorful assortment of different fruits and vegetables to get a healthy mix of disease-fighting compounds every day.

Source: Effects of anthocyanins and other phenolics of boysenberry and blackcurrant as inhibitors of oxidative stress and damage to cellular DNA in SH-SY5Y and HL-60 cells. Ghosh, D., McGhie, T. K., Zhang, J., Adaim, A., Skinner, M., Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2006 January (in press).