I still remember that blueberry pie, the one my Grannie used to make whenever I came for a visit. The aroma would fill my nose and the filling would soon spread all over my face. I knew then that my grandma was trying please me, but what I know now is that Grannie was also protecting me from cancer.
Blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and cranberry are functional foods in which one of the major biologically active constituents is delphinidin. This phytochemical comes from a group called anthocyanidins. A study published in the journal Carcinogenesis at the University of Quebec showed an impressive blockage of angiogenesis stimulated by growth factors by an extract of small berries.
This phytochemical reduces the activity of specific receptors which are essential for cancer angiogenesis. One receptor is located on endothelial cells whereas the other is on the smooth muscle cells, the two cells types essential to produce viable new blood vessels. Incorporating green tea and tofu also prevents angiogenesis which is necessary for the growth of cancer tumor and metastatic cancer.
By contraring the development of angiogenesis, the cancer would not be able to obtain nutrients to grow any further. The cancer will then remain in dormant state.