Docent Pajari says research has shown that berries can prevent cancer.
“The results are still preliminary, but promising. Most [of the tests] have been carried out with laboratory animals, and a small fraction with humans,” Pajari clarifies.
Promising results have been obtained in relation to the most common types of cancer, especially cancer of the large intestine, but also to breast and prostatic cancer.
According to Pajari, the medicinal qualities of highbush blueberries have been extensively studied. This seems to be especially effective against breast cancer.
“This is good news to us Finns, as we eat lots of blueberries,” the Docent notes.
All berries weren’t created equal
According to Pajari, there are differences between berries when it comes to their cancer preventative qualities. It presently seems like the most effective berries belong to the Rose Family of plants. Raspberries, cloudberries, strawberries, highbush blueberries and rose hips are all beneficial.
“There are many useful substances in berries that help to prevent cancer. They contain roughage and vitamins, and compounds called polyfenols. We are still not sure whether the effect comes from one compound, or from the combined effect of these compounds,” Pajari says.
There are also berries that have not yet been studied. For instance, Pajari cannot recall a single study on cranberries.
“We also need research on cancer patients. Instead of [looking at] anticipation and prevention, we should try to find out if berries could be used in treating patients.”