Fresh Blueberries (photo by Christina Dreesen, courtesy of morguefile.com)

A compound found in blueberries shows promise for preventing colon cancer in animals, according to a joint study by scientists at Rutgers University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The researchers say colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The compound, pterostilbene, is a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants are the "natural zappers" of free radicals-unstable oxygen molecules associated with cancer, heart disease and the effects of aging.

“This study underscores the need to include more berries in the diet, especially blueberries,” says study leader Bandaru Reddy, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Chemical Biology at Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J. Although the blueberry compound won’t cure colon cancer, it represents a potential new and attractive strategy for preventing the disease naturally, says Reddy, an expert on nutritional factors that influence colon cancer development.

Not long ago, U.S. Department of Agriculture studies measured the antioxidant activity of more than 40 fruits and vegetables and ranked blueberries #1.

A press release from the American Chemical Society says that the promising compound in blueberries might be developed into pill form. But why wait? Blueberries are delicious! Why not get the benefits now by enjoying some fresh blueberries or blueberry jam?

To read the full press release announcing the new research findings go here: American Chemical Society