The California Strawberry Commission shares study
findings revealing that a substance in strawberries, quercetin, programs cancer cells to self destruct. Quercetin, a
phytonutrient and member of a large class of plant compounds called flavonoids known for anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory
and antiviral abilities, is found in strawberries and other fruits. As an example, in addition to strawberries, apple
peels have a high level of quercetin. Researchers tested strawberry fruit extracts on human liver cancer cells. Quercetin was the most active polyphenol of the compounds tested, and showed a dramatic reduction in the life of a cancer cell. Both quercetin and strawberry extract stunted the progression of cancer cell growth. Researchers believe that quercetin may provide protection at several steps in the process of cancer development.
