ELLAGIC ACID, AN ANTICANCER COMPOUND, FOUND IN BERRIES, NUTS

According to a pathologist at the Medical College of Ohio, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and to a lesser degree blueberries, cranberries, grapes, apples, Brazil nuts, walnuts, and cashews all contain the anticancer compound ellagic acid.  Ellagic acid is an antioxidant that helps detoxify cancer-causing agents in several different ways.  It may block the activation of carcinogens, inhibit the carcinogen itself, or keep the DNA in cells from undergoing mutation.

Warning: Strawberries are particularly rich in ellagic acid in both the seeds and the pulp.  If you strain the berries and toss out the seeds, you are throwing away a big part of the berry's cancer-fighting capabilities.