Blueberries: They are high in antioxidants.

    BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhuanet) -- A compound called pterostilbene found abundantly in blueberries offered protection against colon cancer, according to a new study Monday by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rutgers University.

    The animal study by these researchers showed that the compound is a powerful antioxidant and has the potential to be developed into a pill as well.

    The findings of the study were detailed at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Colon cancer is thought to be the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Previous studies have highlighted several compounds in fruits and vegetables that are thought to possess cancer-fighting properties.

    However this is the first study to actually demonstrate them albeit in laboratory animals. The study included 18 rats in whom colon cancer was induced by using compound (azoxymethane). Half the rats were then given a balanced diet, while the rest received a balanced diet plus pterostilbene.

    Researchers said that rats with pterostilbene showed 57 percent lesser pre-cancerous lesions in the colon than the rats with only a balanced diet. Additionally pterostilbene also appeared to lower some genes involved in inflammation.

    Lead author Bandaru Reddy said the study demonstrated that people needed to include more berries in their diet.

    "This study underscores the need to include more berries in the diet, especially blueberries," he said, adding that although the study did not represent a way to cure cancer, it did offer a way to potentially prevent it.